EL PASO, Texas (AP) _ It was only a scrimmage, but that didn’t stop 51,118 fans from turning out to watch the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Oilers on Thursday night.

The scrimmage, won 17-16 by Dallas in this stronghold of Cowboys fans, produced the first sellout crowd at the Sun Bowl. It also generated some $1.3 million, much of which was expected to go to charities.

``The experience of having to travel was well worth it,″ said Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman, who earlier in the week had complained about the trip.

Jaime Garcia, decked out in an Aikman jersey and Cowboys cap, paid $220 for two tickets.

``This is tremendous,″ he said gesturing toward the crowd. ``Just take a look.″

The Super Bowl champion Cowboys, decimated by injuries, got a good look at some of their backups.

Sherman Williams, running with the first team while Emmitt Smith rested, rushed for 67 yards on eight first-half carries. He scored on runs of 1 and 5 yards. Chris Boniol added a 30-yard field goal to close the Cowboys’ scoring.

Wade Wilson went 4-of-6 for 86 yards after replacing Aikman, who played only one drive. Aikman was 2-of-3 for 25 yards, including a 17-yarder to Deion Sanders.

The Oilers’ top prospects, quarterback Steve McNair and running back Eddie George, did not play.

Houston rookie Mike Archie ran for 68 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Al Del Greco added a 26-yard field goal in the third quarter.

A 25-yard TD pass from Donald Hollas to Brashant Carter with 27 seconds remaining made it close. But the Oilers failed to convert a two-point conversion.