Season-Opening Skid Ends in a Big Way for the Liberty

Teresa Weatherspoon had 13 points and six assists as the visiting New York Liberty ended a three-game, season-opening losing streak by defeating the Sacramento Monarchs (1-2), 64-48, Thursday night before 6,053.

Rebecca Lobo played a solid game inside with 11 points and eight rebounds. Vickie Johnson also had 11 points for New York (1-3), which opened last season by winning its first seven games.

Houston 87, Cleveland 73--Sheryl Swoopes scored 25 points and Tina Thompson had 23 as the Comets (3-0) beat the Rockers (2-1) before 8,853 at Houston.

Cynthia Cooper added 21 points and seven assists for Houston. Janice Braxton led Cleveland with 13 points.

Charlotte 71, Detroit 67--Rhonda Mapp scored 18 points and Vicky Bullett had 16 points and a team-record five steals as the Sting (3-1) beat the Shock (0-3) before 5,093 at Charlotte, N.C.

Sandy Brondello led the expansion Shock with 14 points.