Serio Says Enough, Then Rockers Win

Frequent rehabilitation and raising four children are just too much, said two-time WNBA all-star Suzie McConnell Serio, who announced her retirement Sunday before scoring eight points in the Rockers’ 77-60 win over Washington at Cleveland.

McConnell Serio, 34, had considered waiting until after the season to announce her retirement, then decided to go ahead so she could bid farewell to her hometown fans, 12,537 of which attended the game.

“I just thought it’s time to end my career now,” she said. “I’m dealing with nagging injuries and rehabbing still.”

Coach Dan Hughes admitted that he kept mum about McConnell Serio’s pending retirement, hoping that he might have her services longer.

“I kind of hoped she would change her mind,” Hughes said.

Rushia Brown scored 16 points for the Rockers (16-14), who rode a 22-0 first-half run to the victory over the Mystics (13-17).

Miami 57, New York 41--Sheri Sam led the Sol (12-19) with 19 points, and it won at Miami before 8,749. The Sol used a 18-2 first-half run and smothering defense that held the Liberty to a franchise-low and kept New York (19-11) from clinching top seeding in the East for the upcoming WNBA playoffs.

Houston 76, Sacramento 63--In a probable first-round playoff matchup, the three-time defending WNBA champion Comets (25-5) got 25 points and five assists from Sheryl Swoopes in a win before 12,142 at Sacramento.

Yolanda Griffith, last season’s league most valuable player, had season highs of 30 points and 19 rebounds for the Monarchs (20-11).

Orlando 92, Detroit 63--Adrienne Johnson made five three-pointers and scored 25 points for the Miracle (15-15), which beat the Shock (12-18) before 8,479 at Orlando and clinched its first playoff berth.

Minnesota 80, Indiana 75--Betty Lennox had 27 points and eight assists for the Lynx (14-16), which won before 8,644, the largest crowd of the season at Minneapolis.

Reserve Kristin Folkl had 13 points and eight rebounds for the Lynx, who ended a three-game losing steak. Indiana is 8-22.

Seattle 66, Portland 58--Charmin Smith scored seven of her 10 points in overtime in lifting the Storm (6-24) over the Fire (10-20) before 9,328 at Seattle.