It Happened Elsewhere!

Monarchs 79, Mystics 76. Nicole Powell of the Monarchs (4-4) scored 28 points, one point away from her career best, and also scored the go-ahead shot with about one minute left which put the Mystics (2-7) behind for good. The Mystics three point game was shut down, and the team didn't make a three-pointer unti the second half. The Mystics have now lost five straight.

Silver Stars 64, Fever 53. Sophia Young returned for the Silver Stars (4-4), and it showed on the scoreboard, with 17 points for Young to make up for the fact that Becky Hammon was held to two points (she scored her only points in the fourth quarter). San Antonio remains undefeated at home. As for the Fever (4-3), they would score only eight second quarter points.

Storm 83, Mercury 77. Diana Taurisi of the Mercury (2-5) celebrated her 26th birthday and scored 37 points, but four Storm (7-3) starters were in double figures. Sue Bird, shooting 1 for 12, was not among them, but got a career high in rebounding, as the Storm cleaned the boards 52-31. Mercury center Tangela Smith, with a swelling in her right knee, did not play. Taurisi complained about the refereeing after the game. (I wouldn't expect a fine, tho.)

Sparks 80, Shock 73. The Shock (7-3) were flummoxed by the Sparks' 100 percent shooting at the foul line -- 24 for 24. Lisa Leslie of the Sparks (5-2) scored 17 as Candace Parker got into early foul trouble.