Url:
http://www.wnba.com/comets/news/preview030603.html
Just in case the url gets edited, here is the article:
The Houston Comets will be looking to stop a two-game skid tonight when they take on the Phoenix Mercury for the second time in this young WNBA season. The Comets? last victory came at the expense of the Mercury 10 days ago in Phoenix. After that 69-62 triumph, however, Houston has managed to lose its last two contests to Connecticut and Minnesota. At 2-2, the Comets need to get a win tonight to avoid falling into an even deeper slump.
If anything was gained during Houston?s two-game losing streak, it was the confidence of Cynthia Cooper. After a slow start to the season, Cooper has posted back-to-back 20-point games. Cooper, who will once again be facing the club she previously coached, suffered a slight shoulder injury in Monday?s practice. The Comets guard seemed to be in a bit of pain, but she will likely be able to take the floor when the ball is tipped tonight.
Cooper?s partner in crime in the Comets? offense, forward Sheryl Swoopes, also was a little dinged up in Monday?s workout. Toward the end of the practice session, Swoopes snatched a rebound but came down and rolled her ankle. She went down in pain and was helped to the training room. Swoopes received treatment on the ankle and had it bandaged around a bag of ice. Expect No. 22 to tape up the ankle and try to give it a go tonight against Phoenix.
The Mercury come into this contest struggling with a 1-3 record. Phoenix got embarrassed in its last outing against the Sacramento Monarchs falling 69-49. If the Mercury have any hope of hanging with the Comets, they better get their offense clicking at a higher rate. Their guards Tamicha Jackson and Edwina Brown have jacked up a large number of shots this season, but have yet to shoot a decent percentage. The tandem combined to make only 4-of-26 shot attempts in their first game against the Comets. Both Jackson and Brown need to step it up if Phoenix is going to make any noise this season.
Phoenix has an athletic small forward in Lisa Harrison. Harrison has been very quiet this season, but still plays a smart style of basketball whenever she is on the floor. Harrison-Swoopes is always a good matchup to watch and tonight should be no different. Swoopes scored 23 points in their last meeting, while Harrison was held to single digits and never got into the flow to get off her shots. It will be interesting to see if Swoopes can dominate again, or if Harrison rises up to answer the challenge.
Tina Thompson, who has only played in one game so far this season, will be back in the lineup for the Comets tonight. Thompson started the season by missing two games due to injury. In her season debut against the Connecticut Sun, Thompson threw a flagrant elbow and was suspended for the Comets? last contest against the Minnesota Lynx. Thompson looked great in practice on Monday and seems to be getting into playing shape after sitting out for so long with her back injury.
Comets center Tiffani Johnson will again be out for Houston. Johnson has yet to recover from a preseason back injury and her status at this point is undetermined. Michelle Snow has played well in her absence, especially on the boards. Snow will get the call again tonight to provide the inside punch for the Comets.
While Comets coach Van Chancellor will probably play only eight players, the Mercury may let their entire team see some game action. Anna DeForge and Kayte Christensen are the top two reserves for the Mercury. The Comets will send out Ukari Figgs, Dominique Canty and Mfon Udoka off their bench.
Tonight?s game will come down to the frontcourt play of both teams. Houston has a superior frontline and should look to use this advantage throughout the game. Mercury post players Plenette Pierson and Adrian Williams will not do that much scoring, so Thompson and Snow should stay out of foul trouble and look to score on the offensive end. If Swoopes can find the hot hand, things should be even easier for them to find their spots in the post.
The Comets should win this game as a result of their talent at each position. Phoenix is still trying to find a style of play, as well as working on its player rotation. As long as the Mercury guards do not get super hot, expect the Comets to end their slide in a big way tonight.
INJURY REPORT
Keep up to the minute on all the latest Comets injury news by visiting our Injury Report page. We get daily reports directly from the basketball staff, giving you the inside scoop on who's playing and who's sitting every night.
