Sting Has Mystics’ Number

For the second time since Washington Coach Nancy Darsch resigned July 14, the Mystics lost to the lowly Charlotte Sting, 87-80, Wednesday before 5,249 at Charlotte, N.C.

Charlotte (7-18) got 33 points from Andrea Stinson and 13 assists from Dawn Staley. Both were team records. Chamique Holdsclaw led the Mystics (11-14) with 21 points.

Detroit 78, Miami 62--Wendy Palmer scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Shock (11-13) over the Sol (9-16) before 4,480 at Auburn Hills, Mich. Detroit Coach Nancy Lieberman-Cline benched Palmer and Claudia Maria das Neves and started rookies Barbara Farris and Edwina Brown.

Sacramento 73, Portland 70--Yolanda Griffith scored 12 of her 14 points in the second half and made two free throws with 26 seconds left to help preserve the victory for the Monarchs (16-10) over the Fire (8-17) before 7,478 at Portland, Ore.

Phoenix 79, Indiana 65--The host Mercury (16-9) led by two at halftime but scored 26 of the game’s final 40 points for the victory over the Fever (6-18) before 9,487. Phoenix point guard Michelle Cleary will undergo knee surgery today and be out for the season.

Utah 84, Cleveland 77--Adrienne Goodson had 27 points and Natalie Williams added 21 points and 19 rebounds to lead the host Starzz (14-12) over the Rockers (13-11) before 7,983.