HOUSTON, June14 (Ticker) -- Tina Thompson scored 26 points -- eight in overtime -- as the Houston Comets pulled away in the extra session to post a 73-66 victory over the Sacramento Monarchs.

Before avoiding two consecutive setbacks, the Comets lost Sheryl Swoopes in the third quarter due to an ankle injury. The three-time MVP had missed the last three games because of back spasms. She finished with 11 points.

NBA TV highlights from Monarchs-Comets: Play

With Houston trailing, 61-59, Michelle Snow converted a layup but could not finish off the three-point play for a 61-61 tie with 42 seconds left.

Dominique Canty drew an offensive foul against Nicole Powell with 25 ticks remaining, But, on the Comets' ensuing possession, Snow missed a layup as time expired, forcing the overtime.

Thompson started the extra session with a 3-pointer to ignite Houston's decisive 12-1 run and drilled a shot from the arc to cap the surge for a 73-62 lead with 1:55 left.

Yolanda Griffith and Hamchetou Maiga-Ba both scored 14 points for the Monarchs, who have lost both meetings with the Comets this season.