WNBA: Sacramento 73, Houston 69

HOUSTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The Sacramento Monarchs beat the Houston Comets, 73-69, in Game 1 of the WNBA's Western Conference finals Thursday night.

Yolanda Griffith had 14 points and eight rebounds.

Kara Lawson added 12 points and seven rebounds for the Monarchs, who will look to end the best-of-three series at home Saturday.

DeMya Walker also registered 11 points.

Sheryl Swoopes scored 19 points, and Tina Thompson added 18 points and seven rebounds for the Comets, who shot 51 percent from the floor and out-rebounded Sacramento, 32-26, in a losing effort.