Smith and Still Lead Quest to Fifth Straight Over Rage

Katie Smith scored 30 points and Valerie Still added 22 as the Columbus Quest defeated the Philadelphia Rage, 76-71, in front of 2,744 at Philadelphia on Friday.

In the season series between the teams, the win was the fifth consecutive for the Quest (26-7) in six games against the Rage (11-22).

New England 85, Seattle 81--Dale Hodges made a layup and two free throws in the final 44 seconds to help the Blizzard preserve the victory over the Reign at Hartford.

The Blizzard’s fourth consecutive victory came before 12,602, the third-largest crowd in league history. A record 15,418 tickets were sold, but bad weather contributed to more than 2,000 no-shows.

San Jose 89, Atlanta 62--Sheri Sam scored 20 points as the Lasers (18-17) handed the Glory (12-20) its worst loss of the season in front of 5,663 at Atlanta.

Portland 72, Colorado 67--Natalie Williams had 27 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Power (21-15) over the Xplosion (16-18) in front of 4,806 at Denver.

Women’s Basketball Notes

WNBA President Val Ackerman didn’t rule it out in the future but declined ABL President Gary Cavalli’s challenge for an ABL-WNBA all-star game to be played in September.