Uncasville, Conn. ? Shannon Johnson scored 21 points and had eight assists to lead the Connecticut Sun past the Houston Comets, 65-58, Saturday night.

The Comets were without two-time league MVP Sheryl Swoopes for most of the game after she sprained her right ankle in the closing minutes of the first half.

Nykesha Sales added 14 points, seven rebounds and four steals for Connecticut (3-2), which also beat the Comets 91-83 in Houston on May 30.

Tina Thompson led the Comets (3-4) with 25 points, including eight in a 15-2 spurt after Swoopes went out with 5:10 left in the first half.

Swoopes was hurt while battling the Sales for a loose ball under the Comets’ basket. As Swoopes jumped for the ball, Sales fell and Swoopes landed awkwardly on her. Swoopes lay there for several moments before being helped off the court. Swoopes finished with five points and three rebounds in 11 minutes of play.

Sparks 79, Monarchs 61

Sacramento, Calif. — Lisa Leslie had 21 points and 13 rebounds as the two-defending WNBA champion Los Angeles Sparks beat Sacramento to improve to 6-0. Tamecka Dixon scored 16 points for the Sparks, DeLisha Milton added 14.

Storm 66, Mercury 57

Seattle — Lauren Jackson matched her career high with 27 points and tied her best with 14 rebounds as the Seattle Storm beat the Phoenix Mercury.

Shock 74, Silver Stars 55

San Antonio — Kendra Holland Corn scored 13 points and WNBA scoring leader Swin Cash added 12 as the Detroit Shock beat the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Rockers 67, Sting 57

Cleveland — Chasity Melvin scored 12 points, and Lucienne Berthieu had a career-high 11 as the Cleveland Rockers defeated the Charlotte Sting.

Fever 86, Liberty 66

Indianapolis — Tamika Catchings scored 24 points, Stephanie White had 15 and Natalie Williams 11 as the Indiana Fever beat the New York Liberty.