The Mystics worked hard in the paint, but Houston's veterans hit late jumpers, Michelle Snow had a career day with seventeen boards, and the Comets won at home in a noontime game before a crowd of kids.

Washington's posts looked unexpectedly good: Sanford challenged, Melvin scored, and 6'7" Latvian rookie Zane Teilane had 4 and 5 in her first pro minutes.

Alana left the game with a hurt wrist and shoulder after Tina Thompson fell on top of her, but later returned and looked sharp. When DC's lead shrank, though, Alana tried to do it all, while the Comets kept their heads and sank their shots.

Coach Adubato: "During the last two minutes, [Houston] made every big shot."

Tamecka Dixon: "I wish camp day was every day."