MEMPHIS, Tenn., Oct. 20 (Ticker) -- Robert Hite may not make the
Miami Heat. But he certainly made an impression on the Memphis
Grizzlies.
Hite scored 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, leading a
rally that just fell short as the Heat suffered a 96-95
preseason setback to the Grizzlies.
An undrafted free agent guard out of the University of Miami,
Hite is battling fellow rookies Vincent Grier of Minnesota,
Daniel Horton of Michigan and Chris Quinn of Notre Dame for the
final backcourt spot on the defending champions.
With superstars Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade sitting it out,
Hite had a chance to step forward and made the most of it. He
sank 10-of-14 shots, including four 3-pointers.
In the fourth quarter, Hite torched Dahntay Jones and Tarence
Kinsey as he nearly led the Heat back from an 89-74 deficit.
Hakim Warrick's free throw gave Memphis a 96-92 lead before Hite
drilled a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Rookie Rudy Gay scored 14 points and Jones, Stromile Swift and
Chucky Atkins added 12 apiece for the Grizzlies, who were
without guards Mike Miller (toenail) and Eddie Jones (Achilles)
and forwards Pau Gasol (foot) and Brian Cardinal (knee).
Gary Payton and Udonis Haslem scored 12 points each for the
Heat, who shot 48 percent (36-of-75) but committed 20 turnovers.

