Sting in Playoff Despite Loss

The Detroit Shock sent the Eastern Conference playoff race down to the final day by defeating the Charlotte Sting, 58-57, Friday at Charlotte, N.C.

The Sting (15-17), which lost for the fifth consecutive time in its final regular-season game, still clinched one of the East’s three playoff spots by virtue of tiebreakers. Detroit (14-17) is one game behind Orlando (15-16) for the East’s other spot. Those two teams play each other today, and if the Miracle wins, it will take second place and host the Sting in the one-game, first-round playoff. If the Shock wins, it will make the playoffs and may host Charlotte, depending on the eventual tiebreaker.

Detroit’s win Friday was led by Wendy Palmer’s 20 points and had nine rebounds. Dominique Canty’s free throw with 58 seconds left put Detroit ahead, 58-55. Andrea Stinson scored on a layup with 35 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one, but Vicky Bullett’s 17-foot jumper bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

Orlando 83, Minnesota 80--The Miracle earned a chance to control its playoff destiny with its overtime victory at Minneapolis. Orlando (15-16) must defeat Detroit today to make the playoffs. Nykesha Sales led the Miracle in overtime, scoring with under two minutes left in the extra period and adding two late free throws to give Orlando its fifth consecutive victory. Kristin Folkl helped the Lynx (14-17) push the game into overtime when she scored from under the basket with six seconds left.

Utah 70, Phoenix 62--Korie Hlede scored all 12 of her points in the second half as the Starzz rallied from a 22-point deficit to win at Phoenix. Adrienne Goodson led Utah (14-17) with 22 points. Maria Stepanova had 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Mercury (15-17), whose 11-game home winning streak ended.