Monarchs Run Win Streak to Six

Sacramento’s Ruthie Bolton scored 20 points and Yolanda Griffith had 19 Thursday night as the Monarchs won their franchise-record sixth in a row with an 80-71 victory over Utah.

The Monarchs blew a 15-point lead in the second half before 6,905 at Sacramento, but Griffith and Tangela Smith, who had 19 points and 12 rebounds, led a late rally for the Monarchs, who made 23 of 24 free throws. Sacramento made an 11-3 run in the final 1:07, highlighted by six points from Smith.

Though Sacramento (10-16) won’t make the playoffs, the Monarchs prevented Utah (18-9) from clinching a postseason berth.

Margo Dydek led the Starzz with 27 points.

Cleveland 68, Detroit 66--Chasity Melvin scored 20 points and Merlakia Jones added 19 as the Rockers beat the Shock in a battle of the Eastern Conference’s worst teams in front of 5,156 fans at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Jen Rizzotti added 11 points against her former team and Mery Andrade had 10 for Cleveland (10-16), which won its second in a row.

Rookie Swin Cash scored 19 points for Detroit (6-20).

Orlando 65, Charlotte 63--Pee Wee Johnson’s basket from the top of the arc with 0.4 seconds remaining lifted the Miracle before a crowd of 5,980 at Orlando, Fla.

Johnson finished with 16 points for Orlando (13-13). Allison Feaster led the Sting (14-12) with 14 points.