Swoopes' shot lifts Comets over Shock
Auburn Hills, Mich. Sheryl Swoopes' jumper with three seconds left in overtime gave the Houston Comets a 76-74 victory over the Detroit Shock on Friday.
The three-time defending WNBA champion Comets (21-3) led by as many as 21 points, but Detroit (10-12) rallied to tie it at 68 on Anna DeForge's three-pointer with nine seconds to play in regulation.
But Swoopes gave Houston its 12th win in 13 games, and fifth straight over the Shock.
Cynthia Cooper led the Comets with a season-high 27 points, and Swoopes added 21. Wendy Palmer had 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Shock.
Houston outrebounded Detroit 44-32, led by 15 from Tiffani Johnson and 13 from Tina Thompson.
The Comets took control with an early 25-4 run that put them ahead 32-11 late in the first half.
Houston led 43-30 at intermission, and by as many as 16 early in the second half. Claudia Maria das Neves pulled Detroit within nine at 60-51 with 9:45 to go.
The Shock chipped away at the Comets' lead, pulling within 68-65 with 90 seconds to go.
Houston turned the ball over, but Swoopes blocked Brown's jumper that could have made it a one-point game. Jenna Arcain missed a jumper that could have clinched the game with 17 seconds left, giving Detroit a last chance, and DeForge rattled in a three-pointer from the right wing to tie it.
Mystics 61, Miracle 59
Washington Keisha Anderson hit a running layup in the lane as time expired to lift Washington past Orlando. Anderson, taking over at point guard when Andrea Nagy got into first-half foul trouble, scored a career-high 13 points. Chamique Holdsclaw led Washington (11-12) with 16 points. Shannon Johnson led Orlando (14-9) with 17 points.
Sol 76, Starzz 65
Miami Sheri Sam scored 23 points and Marlies Askamp added 17 as expansion Miami (9-14) set a franchise points record for points. Natalie Williams led Utah (12-12) with 18 points.
Sting 73, Fire 64
Charlotte, N.C. Dawn Staley scored 18 points in Charlotte's victory over Portland. Andrea Stinson added 16 points for Charlotte (5-17). Sophia Witherspoon led Portland (7-15) with 25.
Sparks 74, Mercury 68
Phoenix Lisa Leslie hit two free throws with 27 seconds left to break a tie as Los Angeles(20-3) clinched a playoff spot. Leslie had 30 points and 16 rebounds. Brandy Reed scored 21 points for the Mercury (14-8).
Storm 67, Lynx 61
Seattle Edna Campbell scored 17 points as Seattle stopped a six-game losing streak. Sonja Henning added a career-high 15 points for the Storm.
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