Holdsclaw Scores 20 to Help Mystics Defeat Comets

Chamique Holdsclaw scored 16 of her 20 points in the first half and the Washington Mystics beat Houston, 70-64, before 14,004 Thursday night at Washington, ended an eight-game losing streak to the Comets.

Holdsclaw made a jump shot to start the second half but then went scoreless until her jump shot with 11.2 seconds left made it 70-64. Holdsclaw, who leads the WNBA in scoring and rebounding, grabbed 10 rebounds for the Mystics (5-1), who are off to their best start.

Washington’s Vicky Bullett sandwiched two three-point baskets around one by Kelley Gibson of the Comets for a 68-62 lead with 1:36 left.

“We thought we would come back, and we would come back, and we would get there,” Houston Coach Van Chancellor said. “But we could never get over the hump.”

Holdsclaw called the victory a big one.

“The difference is that we have a coach who has implemented a game plan that utilizes our versatility,” Holdsclaw said.

Tina Thompson led Houston (5-3) with 18 points, while Sheryl Swoopes was held to 10 on five-for-18 shooting.

Sacramento 78, New York 77--Ruthie Bolton scored five of her 12 points in the second overtime, helping the Monarchs gain their first victory by beating the Liberty (6-3) before 6,661 at Sacramento.

Bolton converted a left-handed layup, giving Sacramento (1-4) the lead for good at 75-74.

Monarch point guard Ticha Penicheiro had 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds, five steals and converted 12 of 14 free throws.

Tamika Whitmore led the Liberty with 21 points, and Tari Phillips had 20.

Charlotte 75, Indiana 64--Andrea Stinson scored all 15 of her points in the first half and the Sting (3-4) ended a four-game losing streak with a victory over the Fever (4-3) before 4,021 at Charlotte, N.C.

Nikki McCray scored 13 points for the Fever.

Minnesota 60, Portland 46--Katie Smith scored 11 of her 17 points in the second half, and the Lynx (4-3) rallied to beat the Fire (2-5) before 11,217 at Minneapolis.

Tamika Williams added 14 points for Minnesota, which led by only three with 12:17 to play before holding Portland scoreless from the floor until 2:16 remained.

DeMya Walker led the Fire with 10 points.

Phoenix 70, Detroit 67--Gordana Grubin scored eight of her 13 points in the final two minutes as the Mercury kept the Shock (0-8) on the longest season-starting losing streak in league history before 7,358 at Phoenix.

Brandy Reed had 14 points for the Mercury. Wendy Palmer had 20 points for the Shock.