HOUSTON (AP) _ Walt Williams scored 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter and Steve Francis matched that game-high scoring as the Houston Rockets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 101-91 in an exhibition game Tuesday night.

Five Sonics and each starter, except Patrick Ewing, scored in double figures. Gary Payton led Seattle with 16 points while Ewing finished with four points and eight rebounds.

Vin Baker, Desmond Mason and Gary Payton accounted for all Seattle's first quarter points. The period ended with the teams tied at 21.

Houston (3-1) used runs of 7-0 and 9-2 for a 45-38 lead at the half.

Payton scored 10 points and Walt Williams added 11 in the third period.

Seattle (2-1) cut Houston's lead to 64-60 on a Payton jumper with just over three minutes left in the third, but never got any closer.

The Sonics trimmed an 11-point deficit to four with just under a minute left in the game.

The Rockets sealed the win with an 8-2 run.