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Randolph, Blazers roll by shorthanded Hornets

Dec 28, 2006 - 7:24 AM PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- Zach Randolph was glad the injury-riddled New Orleans Hornets came to town.

Randolph scored 26 points to lead five players in double figures as the Portland Trail Blazers posted a 100-85 triumph over the Hornets.

Rookie Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack scored 15 points apiece and Ime Udoka chipped in 11 and 10 rebounds for the Blazers, who have won six of their last eight games.

Randolph also pulled down 11 rebounds en route to collecting his 16th double-double of the season.

"I just wanted to come out and be aggressive," Randolph said. "We just wanted to get a win. Everybody contributed and that's what we needed."

The Hornets were without reigning Rookie of the Year Chris Paul (ankle), Peja Stojakovic (back surgery) and David West (elbow) due to injury.

"Our guys understand that we are shorthanded and that the effort has to be at an all-time high," Hornets coach Byron Scott said. "Whereas before you could take your time a little more and work yourself into a rhythm, we don't have that luxury right now. When you have the guys we have missing, you have to be focused and ready to go in a hurry."

In the fourth quarter, the Hornets used an impressive 16-0 burst, cutting the deficit to 85-79 with 4 1/2 minutes left. Jannero Pargo scored eight of his 16 points during the run.

"We never want to quit," Pargo said. "This team has a lot of character and we are gonna give a full 48 minutes, fighting and playing hard and try to get better for the next game."

However, Portland was able to rebuild its double-digit advantage on Randolph's baseline jumper with 3:41 left and coasted from there.

"We didn't panic. They made their run," Randolph said. "Every team is capable of making a big run at any point. We just tried to stay aggressive and stick to what got us a big lead."

Desmond Mason and Rasual Butler scored 16 points each for the Hornets, who shot 40 percent (31-of-77) from the floor and have lost four of five games overall.

The Hornets fell to 0-2 against the Trail Blazers, including a 92-91 setback on November 10 in which a 27-point advantage was erased.