Convenience Big Store: Record doesn't tell the whole story for Rockets' Stephen Silas

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The losses are piling up for the Rockets, on the ledger of third-year coach Stephen Silas. While some fans are calling for his job, Jerome Solomon says Silas deserves a better fate than what likely awaits him.

As arbitration time looms for MLB players, the Astros might have incentive to reach long-term deals with the likes of Framber Valdez, Kyle Tucker and Cristian Javier as salaries soar.

Texans head coaching interviews begin with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, while Rams assistant Thomas Brown joins the list of candidates.

Marcus Sasser is UH basketball's first preseason All-America. He showed why he earned that lofty status with the No. 1 Cougars facing a possible upset in their latest game.

UTSA's Jeff Traylor has become a rising name in college football coaching circles, but he shows no signs of itching to leave San Antonio.

Stat of the day: 7-8. The Rockets' record in games they lead after three quarters this season. Three of the losses came during their current eight-game losing streak.

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

Rockets / NBA

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Stephen Silas seems consigned to an unfair fate

The losses are mounting for a Rockets team that remains exceptionally young amid a rebuild. But because general managers don't have to talk to media before and after every game, writes Jerome Solomon, it's the third-year coach who becomes the face of franchise futility.

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12 minutes of hell.

Over the course of their eight-game skid, the Rockets, who play their second consecutive game at Sacramento tonight, have been outscored 243-191 in the fourth quarter. In three of those games, they led after three quarters.

Astros / MLB

Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle

It's arbitration time

Eight Astros are eligible to exchange salary proposals with the club this year, but locking up Framber Valdez, Kyle Tucker and/or Cristian Javier long-term might make financial sense as MLB's megadeals escalate.

Texans / NFL

Photo: AP Photo/Paul Sancya

The interviews begin

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became the first candidate to talk to the Texans about succeeding Lovie Smith. Houston also scheduled a session with Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

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Another candidate.

Add Rams assistant head coach Thomas Brown, 36, to the names the Texans will talk to.

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You be the GM.

Our interactive quiz will show who would best meet your criteria for the next Texans head coach.

College Basketball

Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

UH's Marcus Sasser returns to his All-America self

When the top-ranked Cougars were on upset alert Wednesday night, the guard did what great players tend to do: He stepped up in the moment.

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Best halftime film goes to ...

Texas can thank the video man known as "Fireball" for helping it rally from 13 down to beat TCU for its latest victory.

College Football

Photo: Brent Zwerneman, Staff Writer

He's a Roadrunner, honey

Pardon the irresistible Bo Diddley allusion. But Jeff Traylor, the 54-year old coach who has guided UTSA to a 30-10 record in four seasons, shows no signs of wanderlust.

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Austin in his rearview.

Texas redshirt freshman defensive back Ishmael Ibraheem, who was suspended for the majority of the 2022 season, enters the NCAA transfer portal.

Soccer

Photo: Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Score!

The Dash acquire Diana Ordóñez, who last season set an NWSL rookie record with 11 goals, in a trade with the North Carolina Courage.

High School Basketball

Photo: Rhonda Taormina/Contributor

He's a playmaker and trey maker

Tompkins junior Luke Coughran has already set a school record for 3-pointers in a season and is on his way to becoming the Falcons' career scoring leader.