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Ageless Mutombo, Rockets take on red-hot Ginobili, Spurs

Mar 3, 2007 - 5:45 PM San Antonio (40-18) at Houston (36-22) 8:30 pm EST

HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Rockets snapped a two-game losing streak thanks to their spry 40-year-old center. It won't be as easy against the streaking San Antonio Spurs and their red-hot guard.

After 40-year-old Dikembe Mutombo put together an unprecedented night on the boards, the veteran center and the Rockets will take on Manu Ginobili and the Spurs on Saturday.

Mutombo controlled the interior and became the first 40-year-old to notch a 20-rebound game. The 7-2 center shot just 1-of-5 from the field but cleared space in the paint all night - grabbing eight offensive boards.

While Mutombo dominated the paint, superstar Tracy McGrady provided the offense. McGrady shot 11-of-30 from the field, including 2-of-6 from the arc and had 28 points. The All-Star forward started slow but gained some momentum by scoring on numerous jumpers and fierce drives.

It was a big win for Houston, which bounced back after suffering back-to-back tough losses against Boston and Toronto on an East Coast swing this week.

However, the Rockets will take on the surging Spurs, who have won seven straight contests, including a 98-74 win over Orlando on Friday.

San Antonio now is 8-2 with Ginobili coming off the bench this season. He shot 11-of-19 from the field - including 6-of-9 from the arc. He was on an incredible roll, draining shots from all angles.

Leading, 62-57, with eight seconds left in the third quarter, the Spurs closed the game on a 36-17 run. Ginobili scored 12 points during the burst, including two 3-pointers and two three-point plays during a remarkable stretch.