Houston ? Tangela Smith had 17 points and six rebounds for the Sacramento Monarchs, who used a 12-0 run in the second half to eliminate the Houston Comets from WNBA playoff contention with a 71-62 victory Thursday night.

The Comets, who received 28 points from Tina Thompson, will not be a part of the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

The Monarchs moved into a tie with idle Phoenix for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both teams have two games remaining.

Liberty 77, Fever 71, OT

New York — Becky Hammon scored a season-high 28 points, and Elena Baranova added 23 — including seven in overtime — to lead the Liberty. Hammon shot 8-for-13, including 4-for-6 on three-pointers.