Neither team expected it to go quite like this. Yes, the Monarchs are the defending champs. But this season they admitted they have not played consistent ball. The Comets biggest problem all year was their abundance of injuries. Last night, they had Thompson, Canty and Dixon back. Yet, the Comets did not show up and the Monarchs did and the result was a 93-78 rout for Sac.

Kara Lawson showed why her coach wanted her in the starting line-up by scoring 12 of her game high 18 points in her team's league record first half. Yo stepped up her game from the regular season and added 16 points and 9 rebounds. They were not alone as five players were in double figures and nearly everyone on the team scored.

And as well as their offense was working, Whiz was just as pleased with his team's defense. Swoopes and Thompson were a combined 4-17 from the floor and the Comets never got into any rhythm offensively. "For the first time, I'm at a loss for words," Swoopes said. "I did not come to play today. I'm embarrassed. This was very embarrassing.

Comet fans are hoping a different team shows up tomorrow in Sacramento, or Dawn Staley's career will be over.