Mystics Pick Up Slack

Playing without league-leading scorer Chamique Holdsclaw, the Washington Mystics rallied from a 16-point first-half deficit to beat the Charlotte Hornets, 56-55, Sunday before 18,372 at Washington.

Holdsclaw was placed on the injured list before the game because of a sprained left ankle she suffered during Friday night’s game against Portland. Holdsclaw will be eligible to return July 8 against Orlando.

“It’s three games,” Holdsclaw said. “The season is so long, and we’ve been doing so well. I would probably be disappointed if we had a losing record or something. But right now, I know that my teammates can step up.”

Vicky Bullett did step up, making a three-point shot with 1:59 remaining that broke a 53-53 tie and lifted Washington to the victory, its seventh consecutive at home.

Ashja Jones led Washington (11-4) with 16 points. Andrea Stinson led Charlotte (6-6) with 14 points.

Detroit 71, Sacramento 60--The Shock (1-13) rallied from an 18-0 deficit to end its WNBA-record 13-game losing streak with the victory before 5,962 at Auburn Hills, Mich. Sacramento fell to 2-12.

Portland 54, New York 44--Former Spark guard Ukari Figgs scored 21 points for the Fire (7-8), which held New York to three points over the final 8:29 to beat the Liberty before 13,146 at New York. Crystal Robinson had 17 points for the Liberty (8-8).

Utah 79, Cleveland 62--Margo Dydek scored 19 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and keyed Utah’s interior defense as the Starzz (9-4) won before 7,129 at Cleveland. Ann Wauters scored 20 points for the Rockers (6-7).

Miami 65, Indiana 59-- Sheri Sam scored 19 points as the Sol (4-9) won before 7,597, at Miami. Rita Williams scored 17 points for Indiana (6-8).