Convenience Big Store: Rockets' rally to beat 76ers is one for the record books

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Today's starting lineup

It's not a situation the Rockets wanted to find themselves in, but they made history Monday night at Toyota Center. Houston matched the largest comeback win in franchise history, overcoming a 25-point deficit to beat the 76ers after tying the score late in regulation before winning in overtime.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Rockets / NBA

The fans celebrate as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) scores a three point basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during overtime of a NBA game at Toyota Center in Houston, Monday, March 17, 2025. Houston Rockets defeated Philadelphia 76ers 144-137.

Photo by: Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle

Rally for the record books

Jabari Smith Jr. led the way with 30 points as the Rockets avoids the season's worst loss by rallying past the against injury-depleted 76ers.

See you soon? Amen Thompson, who has been out since March 8 with a sprained ankle, could return in time for the Rockets' rematch with the Miami Heat and Tyler Herro this week. Read More

Astros / MLB

Cam Smith #90 of the Houston Astros looks on against the New York Yankees during the first inning of a spring training game at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches on March 08, 2025 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Photo by: Rich Storry, Getty Images

Tough decisions on tap

Competition is coming down to the wire as the Astros will look to trim their roster before opening day. Here are five players who figure to be interesting decisions.

Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) smiles after intercepting a pass by Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush during the first half of an NFL football game at AT&T Stadium, Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, in Arlington.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Stingley sets standard

The Texans have reached an agreement with cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. on a contract extension, which will make him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback.

'Deserve it': Derek Stingley Jr.'s new contract extension made waves across the NFL on Monday, including with some Texans teammates. Read More
It's just business: In his first public remarks since the Texans traded him, Laremy Tunsil said he understands the reasons behind the move and holds no ill will. Read More
Darby on board: After 10 seasons in the NFL with six teams, cornerback Ronald Darby brings veteran depth to Houston. Read More
Jakob Johnson file: What to know about new Texans fullback Jakob Johnson, who began his football career and Europe and first signed with New England as part of the NFL's international player program. Read More

UH Basketball / NCAA Tournament

Houston guards Milos Uzan (7), Terrance Arceneaux (23) and Emanuel Sharp (21) hold cup Big XII Champions signs after the Cougars beat Cincinnati to clinch the outright conference title after an NCAA college basketball game at Fertitta Center in Houston, Saturday, March 1, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Focused on here and now

UH is among a short list of teams to be an NCAA Tournament No. 1 seed three straight years, but the Cougars realize that doesn't guarantee anything, as recent history has shown.

Incentive to win: Kelvin Sampson's contract calls for a hefty bonus if the Cougars win the NCAA Tournament. Read More
Familiar with foe: Southern Illinois-Edwardsville is new to the NCAA Tournament, but coach Brian Barone has history with UH counterpart Kelvin Sampson going back decades. Read More
What the talking heads say: Judging from the national TV shows, Florida is the college basketball experts' pick to win the NCAA Tournament, but some are going with UH. Read More
Meet the Cougars: A closer look at the UH basketball roster entering the NCAA Tournament. Read More
Locals in March Madness: Players with potential to become stars during the NCAA Tournament like Houston's L.J. Cryer and Memphis' P.J. Haggerty all played at Houston area high schools. Read More

Commentary

Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. (1) reacts to a basket against Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinal round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Photo by: George Walker IV, Associated Press

Second to one

UH looks to have the best chance to break up the SEC's hold on the NCAA tournament but the Cougars could face some tough sledding, writes Kirk Bohls.

David Pierce's No. 1 Texas team has backed up its ranking, winning its first nine games by a cumulative 72-10.

Photo by: Rebecca S. Gratz, FRE / Associated Press

Pierce back on South Main

David Pierce, who coached Texas for eight seasons, returns as the head coach at Rice, where he was an assistant under Wayne Graham during some of the Owls' best years.