Comets Keep Pace in West

Sheryl Swoopes had 15 points and five assists as the Houston Comets won for the 11th time in 12 games, defeating the last-place Sacramento Monarchs, 74-60, on Friday night at Sacramento in front of 11,081..

Tina Thompson had 12 points and seven rebounds for the Comets, who got their league-leading 16th victory and maintained their virtual tie with the Sparks atop the Western Conference entering the All-Star break.

Tiffani Johnson scored 13 points, and Janeth Arcain had 12 in a balanced attack for Houston (16-4), which held the Monarchs to one field goal over a 9:52 span in the second half. The Comets pulled away with a 12-3 run, but both teams struggled with turnovers and stifling refereeing.

Tangela Smith led Sacramento (3-15) with 15 points.

Cleveland 62, Seattle 58--Ann Wauters scored 16 points and Penny Taylor had nine of her 12 in the second half as the Rockers (7-12) ended a six-game losing streak with a victory over the Storm (9-12) in front of 8,072 at Seattle.

Chasity Melvin had 12 points and 12 rebounds for Cleveland and Merlakia Jones had 10 points and five rebounds.

Charlotte 72, Orlando 67--Allison Feaster scored all but four of her 19 points on three-point baskets and Tammy Sutton-Brown had 18 points as the Sting (10-8) defeated the Miracle (9-8) in front of 7,728 at Orlando, Fla. Shannon Johnson had 23 points for the Miracle, which has lost five of seven.

Detroit 72, Minnesota 69-- Rookie Swin Cash scored 14 of her 18 points in the second half to lead the Shock (3-16) over the Lynx (6-12) in front of 8,437 at Auburn Hills, Mich. Detroit is 3-6 under Coach Bill Laimbeer.

Miami 68, Indiana 62--Sheri Sam had 15 points and 10 rebounds in front of 7,110 at Indianapolis to lead the Sol (8-10) over the Fever (8-11). It was Miami’s sixth victory in seven games.