HOUSTON (AP) Tangela Smith scored 17 points as the Sacramento Monarchs handed the Houston Comets their first home loss in 13 games with a 61-59 victory Saturday.

It was a key loss for the Comets, who fell a half-game behind the Los Angeles Sparks in the race for the top seed in the Western Conference and home-court advantage throughout the WNBA playoffs.

Houston (23-8) has one game remaining, while Los Angeles (23-7) has two left. The Comets own the tiebreaker over the Sparks.

The Monarchs (13-17), already eliminated from postseason consideration, have won 10 of 12 and three straight on the road.

Sheryl Swoopes scored 32 points, 18 in the first half, to lead the Comets. Swoopes was 11-of-25 from the floor.

Sacramento led by as many as 14 points, but a late surge by the Comets fell just short as Tiffani Johnson missed a 15-foot jump shot with two seconds remaining.

Michelle Snow got the rebound with a second left, but missed a layup as time ran out.

Houston's Tina Thompson missed her second straight game with a bruised right hip.

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