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Randolph, surging Trail Blazers visit Rockets

Jan 26, 2007 - 4:58 PM Portland (18-25) at Houston (26-16) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Zach Randolph and the young Portland Trail Blazers are starting to show a knack for hanging on to win close games.

The Trail Blazers shoot for their fifth win in seven contests Friday when they visit the Houston Rockets.

Portland started January with five losses in six games - averaging 82.0 points in the defeats. The Trail Blazers also are 7-13 away from home this season.

Portland nearly squandered a 20-point second-quarter lead before escaping with Sunday's 99-95 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks. Rookie Brandon Roy set a season-high with 28 points.

Three nights later, Randolph scored 22 points and grabbed 15 rebounds for his 25th double-double as the Blazers came away with Wednesday's 101-98 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

After winning four consecutive games from January 8-13, Houston dropped its next three before Wednesday's 90-85 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

Tracy McGrady scored 37 points on 14-of-24 shooting and Rafer Alston added 19 for the Rockets, who shot 50 percent (36-of-72) from the floor to win back-to-back games in San Antonio for the first time since 1996-1997.

Portland won the earlier matchup against Houston, 89-87, on December 20. Randolph scored 24 points with 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped their last five visits here.