This Day in Sports History - 1/17/2003

In the highly anticipated first meeting between seven-foot-six Rockets rookie Center Yao Ming and seven-foot-one Lakers Center Shaquille O'Neal, the Rockets prevail 108 - 104 in overtime at the Compaq Center in Houston. Yao blocks Shaq's first three shots and alters Kobe Bryant's shot at the end of regulation. O'Neal finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and four assists. Yao manages 10 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks. Houston Guard Steve Francis leads all scorers with 44 points, the most he will collect in a single game during his nine-year NBA career.