Monarchs Win, Qualify for Playoffs

Ruthie Bolton-Holifield made six three-pointers and scored 25 points Friday night to lead the Sacramento Monarchs to their fifth straight victory, 78-64 over the Charlotte Sting.

The victory before 8,406 at Sacramento clinched a playoff spot for the Monarchs (19-10), who moved a full game ahead of the idle Sparks in the Western Conference race with three games remaining.

Houston already has clinched the title in the West. The Sting (15-14) is 1 1/2 games behind first-place New York (16-12) in the East.

Rhonda Mapp led the Sting with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

New York 60, Detroit 56--Kym Hampton and Sue Wicks combined for 16 second-half points to lead the Liberty to victory before 12,106 at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The Shock (12-16) is a half-game ahead of Orlando for the final playoff spot in the East.

Utah 67, Phoenix 64--Margo Dydek had 17 points, and Korie Hlede sparked a late run as the Starzz (12-16) eliminated the Mercury (13-15) from playoff contention.

.

The game was played before 7,493 at Dee Events Center on the campus of Weber State in Ogden, 33 miles north of Salt Lake City, because of tornado damage at the Delta Center.