Lynx Squeeze By Comets

Houston’s Cynthia Cooper made 10 of 11 free throws, but her miss opened the door for the Minnesota Lynx to beat the Comets, 68-64, in overtime Sunday before 6,366 at Minneapolis.

Cooper’s miss came with 12 seconds left in regulation. The free throw could have put Houston (2-2) ahead by one. Instead, the game went into overtime, tied at 61-61, after a shot by the Lynx’s Teresa Edwards was blocked at the buzzer.

The Lynx (3-1) never trailed in overtime. Sheri Sam had 14 points for Minnesota. Cooper had 22 points. Houston’s Tina Thompson did not play because of a one-game suspension for a flagrant elbow she threw during a loss to Connecticut Friday.

New York 70, Washington 57 -- Tamika Whitmore had 21 points and 13 rebounds as the Liberty improved to 7-0 all-time in home openers before a crowd of 15,045 at Madison Square Garden. The Liberty (1-1) was in control throughout and, for the first time, had Elena Baranova, who had seven points, four rebounds and three assists in 17 minutes off the bench. Baranova was acquired in the dispersal draft.

Washington (1-2), with losses in back-to-back games, was led by Chamique Holdsclaw, who was limited to 10 points.

Connecticut 83, San Antonio 64 -- Nykesha Sales scored 22 points to lead the Sun (2-1) over the host Silver Stars (1-3) before a crowd of 7,692. Connecticut pulled away with a 19-3 run in the second half. Margo Dydek had 14 points and 12 rebounds for San Antonio.