WNBA
Roundup: Sparks give Cooper winning send-off

By The Associated Press

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HOUSTON — Coach Michael Cooper got a perfect parting gift.

Mwadi Mabika scored 17 points and Lisa Leslie added 12 to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Houston Comets 59-56 last night, giving Cooper a victory in his final game before he joins the NBA Denver Nuggets as an assistant coach.

"There was crying a little bit at the beginning of the game, but I had to get out of that mode quick, and get into the game," said Cooper, who guided the Sparks to titles in 2001 and 2002. "I'm going to miss all of these women."

The Western Conference-leading Sparks (14-6) have won six games in a row.

Sheryl Swoopes scored 12 points for the Comets (8-11), who have lost four straight games for the first time in franchise history.

Other game

At Sting 67, Mystics 65

Allison Feaster scored 20 points, and Eastern Conference-leading Charlotte (10-7) held off Washington (8-9).

Chasity Melvin scored 22 points for the Mystics. Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw, the league's leading scorer with a 21.3 average, was limited to six points on 3-for-13 shooting.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company

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