His emphasis on building a solid defense helped erase what had been a pathetic 20-year history of defensive collapses, especially in close games.

But a defensive collapse late in the period allowed the Oilers to score three straight goals, including two on the power play.

The second goal, though, stemmed from a defensive collapse by the Devils.

It was a distinct departure from how they left the field in last season's playoff loss to San Francisco after a fourth-quarter defensive collapse.

Any time the Knicks allow 34 points in a quarter, it represents a defensive collapse.

During the first two games of this trip, the Nets' defensive collapses came during the fourth quarter.

It was outrebounded, 36-31, had a defensive collapse in the third quarter and went to the free-throw line only 14 times.

But a defensive collapse helped Pittsburgh come charging back in the fourth quarter and win 36-33 to end the Browns' season.

The Islanders also led, 6-2, early in the third before their defensive collapse.

Over the losing streak, the Nets' defensive collapses have also come at the beginning and the end of games.