Beard Leads Mystics Over Liberty

Rookie Alana Beard had 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists to lead the Washington Mystics to a 71-59 victory over the New York Liberty on Thursday night at Washington.

Chasity Melvin scored 13 of her 17 points in the second half as the Mystics won their second game in a row. Nakia Sanford scored 11 points and matched her career high with 13 rebounds for the Mystics, who led the entire game.

Crystal Robinson led the Liberty with a season-high 20 points, and Shameka Christon scored a career-high 15.

Washington outscored New York 48-18 in the paint and 14-2 on second-chance points.

Charlotte 74, Sacramento 69 -- Allison Feaster converted two free throws in the final seconds and finished with 23 points at Charlotte, N.C., as the Sting moved into a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference with Indiana and New York.

Tammy Sutton-Brown scored 17 points, and Tynesha Lewis had 13 for the Sting.

Yolanda Griffith had 16 points and nine rebounds, Tangela Smith scored 14 points, and Ticha Penicheiro contributed 12 points and six assists for the Monarchs.

San Antonio 77, Houston 72 -- LaToya Thomas scored a career-high 26 points at San Antonio, as the Silver Stars ended a nine-game losing streak.

Adrienne Goodson scored 14 points, Margo Dydek had 13, and Thomas finished with a team-best 10 rebounds for the Silver Stars, who won for the first time since July 15.

Tina Thompson scored 20 points for the Comets.