Comets Finish Fast, 77-62; Cooper Hurt

Two Western Conference all-stars, Houston’s Cynthia Cooper and Sacramento’s Yolanda Griffith, were hobbled as the Comets closed with a 13-0 run to defeat the Monarchs, 77-62, Wednesday before 11,751 at Houston.

Cooper, who had 17 points and seven assists, left the game with 1:03 left because of a sprained right ankle but is expected to play against the Sparks Friday. Griffith, who had 14 of her 22 points in the first half, remained in the game but was less effective after injuring her right foot in the last 5:32.

Sheryl Swoopes led Houston (19-2) with 25 points. The Monarchs (13-7) were within 64-62 with 5:14 remaining.

Cleveland 74, Orlando 72--Merlakia Jones made a running 12-foot jumper with 0.6 seconds remaining in overtime to lead the Rockers (11-8) over the Miracle (13-7) before 6,558 at Cleveland.

New York 84, Charlotte 70--Vickie Johnson had 19 points as the Liberty (11-9) beat the Sting (3-17) before 14,073 at New York.

Utah 76, Portland 67--Natalie Williams had 22 points as the Starzz (10-10) beat the Fire (6-13) before 6,131 at Salt Lake City.

Detroit 61, Seattle 56--Dominique Canty returned from injury to score 15 points, 10 in the first half, as the Shock (9-10) beat the Storm (3-17) before 9,853 at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Indiana 81, Washington 58--Former Mystic Rita Williams scored 17 points as the Fever (4-14) ended a 10-game losing streak with the victory over the Mystics (8-11) before 11,953 at Washington.