Staley leads way as Comets down Mercury

Dawn Staley scored a season-high 21 points and the Houston Comets overcame Diana Taurasi’s 41 points to beat the visiting Phoenix Mercury 98-95 on Thursday night.

Sheryl Swoopes added 19 and Tari Phillips came off the bench and scored a season-high 15 points as the Comets won the season’s first meeting with Phoenix.

Taurasi tied the highest scoring game in the WNBA this season and Cappie Pondexter added 29 for the Mercury, who lost their second straight game after winning three of four overall.

Sting 81, Lynx 68: At Minneapolis, Tangela Smith scored 21 points and Charlotte rallied to beat Minnesota.

Sheri Sam added 17 points for the Sting, who lost to Minnesota at home on Tuesday night.

Mystics 92, Sky 74: At Washington, Alana Beard scored 26 points to help the Mystics snap a two-game losing streak with a win over Chicago.

Chasity Melvin had 16 points and eight rebounds for Washington.