Two heavyweights battled last night in Toyota Center in a defensive struggle won by the Houston Comets, 58-54, over the visiting Monarchs. Sacramento had the Comets on the ropes early and late, but after trailing 11-5 the Comets went on a 19-2 run and held on in the second half.

"In the last 5 minutes, it felt like I was playing them (the Monarchs) for the championship, and when they got (the lead) down, we got into a fight," Houston coach Van Chancellor said after the game.

"They came out with a lot of intensity which we expected coming into their place," Monarchs guard Kara Lawson said.

"We haven't played a team this year we haven't forced into double-digit turnovers," Sacramento's John Whisenant said. "That's how we create shots when we're having a hard shooting night like tonight." The Comets turned the ball over only nine times.

The Comets cut the Monarchs conference lead in half and trail by just one game in the West.