Sparks Drop Finale to Comets

The first-place Houston Comets turned up the pressure in the second half, forced the Sparks into 20 turnovers and overhauled Los Angeles in the stretch, 80-71, in a WNBA regular-season finale Wednesday night at Houston.

The Sparks finished with two straight losses and a 12-18 overall record for third in the Western Conference. Interim coach Orlando Woolridge finished the season 5-5 after taking over for Julie Rousseau on July 30.

The Comets, a 27-3 team that lost only twice since June 27, finished by winning seven of their last eight and 22 of their last 24. They were 4-0 against the Sparks.

The only downside for Houston was a knee sprain that starting point guard Kim Perrot sustained with 6:42 left in the game. She was listed as probable for Saturday’s first-round playoff game against Charlotte.

Los Angeles had a 37-36 halftime lead and led, 52-50, with 12:03 to go. But a Janeth Arcain fast-break layup at 10:19 gave the Comets a 54-52 lead they didn’t relinquish.

Lisa Leslie had 24 points and Penny Toler added 19 to lead the Sparks. Cynthia Cooper had 15 of her 22 points in the second half for Houston. Sheryl Swoopes added 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Tina Thompson scored 18.