Houston's hopes to reach the postseason ended with a road loss to the Silver Stars. The low-scoring, close game showed off the home team's defense: Camille Little's late stop drew coach Hughes's applause. "If they had a formula to measure defense," he said, "she would be the rookie of the year."

Becky led all scorers but shot badly, while Shanna Crossley had another great night: 16 points, 4 of 7 from outside. Her hot streak has made her (with Pierson and Perkins) a contender for a sixth woman award.