LOS ANGELES (AP) Sheryl Swoopes scored a season-high 31 points as the Houston Comets beat the cold-shooting Los Angeles Sparks 67-64 on Thursday to move into first place in the Western Conference.

The Comets (23-7) took a half-game lead over the Sparks (22-7) and gained the playoff tiebreaker by winning the season series 2-1.

Houston has two games left in the regular season, and the defending league champion Sparks have three left. If both teams win their remaining games, the Comets would earn the conference title and homecourt advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Sparks shot a franchise-worst 25.7 percent, making only 19 of 74 attempts, and failed to score from the field in a nearly six-minute stretch late in the game.

"They are the No. 1 defensive team for a reason," Los Angeles coach Michael Cooper said. "We did a terrible job of getting to the basket. We settled for jump shots."

Swoopes made all 13 of her free throws, including six in the final 54 seconds to seal the victory. Rookie forward Michelle Snow added 16 points and 11 rebounds in her first WNBA start, and Janeth Arcain had 12 points.

"That was one of the most gutsy wins I have ever seen," Houston coach Van Chancellor said. "Without Tina Thompson, what incredible team play, and Snow, the rookie really stepped up."

Thompson, the Comets' leading scorer and rebounder, remained in Houston to undergo treatment for a hip injury. She was hurt Tuesday night against Cleveland.

Mwadi Mabika led Los Angeles with 27 points, and Lisa Leslie had 19 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with 3:16 to play.

After Leslie's layup gave the Sparks a 52-50 lead with 5:56 remaining, Los Angeles did not make another basket until DeLisha Milton hit a 3-pointer with 7.4 seconds left.

"We need heart," Cooper said. "We were prepared. It's just about going out there and winning the basketball game. I'm troubled about our heart and our desire to win.

"Every time the game has been on the line for us this year, we haven't had the ability to go out there and win."

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