Swooping Comets Win 12th in Row

Sheryl Swoopes scored 25 points and the Houston Comets tied a franchise record with their 12th consecutive home victory by defeating the Orlando Miracle, 69-62, Saturday night before 13,411 at Houston.

Tina Thompson added 17 points and seven rebounds as Houston (21-7) remained half a game behind the first-place Sparks in the Western Conference.

The Comets also won 12 consecutive home games during the 1999 season.

Katie Douglas scored 18 points for the Miracle (13-14), whose three-game winning streak ended. Orlando holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, leading Miami by one game.

Indiana 69, Charlotte 48--Nikki McCray scored 20 points and the Fever held the Sting to two field goals over a 14-minute span before 11,106 at Indianapolis.

Tamika Catchings had 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Fever. Charlotte lost its fourth in a row.

Detroit 68, Cleveland 57-- Rookie Swin Cash had 24 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Shock before 10,141 at Cleveland. It was her seventh double-double in 14 games.

Associated Press