Convenience Big Store: Rockets end their skid in stellar fashion

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Maybe the Rockets just needed to get away from home? After dropping the final five games of a seven-game homestand, Houston hit the road Monday and rolled past the Bulls in Chicago to end its losing streak. What stood out the most from a solid performance was how well the Rockets moved the ball from the opening tip.

Conventional wisdom would say the two-win Texans don't have much to play for with two weeks left in the season save for draft positioning. However, coach Lovie Smith is eyeing the AFC South's best record in divisional play, which might play a role in whether he'll be back in 2023.

During Thursday's Alamo Bowl, Texas will look to find a way to replace standout linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. Texas Tech and Mississippi are in town for the Texas Bowl, which will pit two former North Shore teammates against each other.

A look at how two former Houston-area high school basketball standouts are doing after moving to Atlanta to improve their pro prospects.

Stat of the day: 55.6. The Rockets' shooting percentage Monday, their best of the season.

Greg Rajan
Texas Sports Nation editor
greg.rajan@chron.com

Rockets / NBA

Photo: Quinn Harris/Associated Press

Quite the movement

The Rockets did a lot of things well in Monday's win over the Bulls. But the biggest thing might've been how sharply they moved the ball throughout the game.

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Skid ends.

The Rockets' losing streak ends at five games as they roll past the Bulls to begin a three-game road trip.

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'Winning' mindset.

Rockets veteran Eric Gordon just wants to contribute to wins in Houston, or elsewhere, but knows it is out of his control as the NBA trade deadline looms.

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Rockets-Celtics: Five things to watch.

What to keep an eye on when the Rockets finish a road back-to-back tonight against the Celtics in Boston.

Texans / NFL

Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer

Southern strategy

Lovie Smith has a goal for the Texans' last two games: Finish with the best record in AFC South play. It might help him get a second year on the sideline.

College Football

Photo: Chuck Burton, Associated Press

Succession plan

With DeMarvion Overshown opting out of the Alamo Bowl, how the Longhorns plan to fill his void during Thursday's game.

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A Mustang reunion.

Former North Shore teammates Tony Bradford Jr. and Zach Evans will face off when Texas Tech and Mississippi tangle in Wednesday's Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium.

College Basketball

Photo: Michael Wyke, Associated Press

Staying put

As conference play begins this week, UH holds down its No. 3 ranking in the Associated Press college basketball poll.

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Inside the ranking.

A by-the-numbers look at how AP pollsters voted for UH in this week's rankings.

High School Basketball

Photo: Overtime Elite, Adam Hagy/Overtime Elite

Alternative hoops education

Bryce Griggs and Tyler Smith were high school stars in Houston, but they opted to move to Atlanta to join Overtime Elite to improve their shot at pro careers.