ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The sting of the Houston Comets' late-game collapse against the Orlando Miracle was compounded by the loss of All-Star Janeth Arcain.
Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 16 points, including six straight down the stretch, as the Miracle rallied to beat the Comets 57-52 Wednesday night.
Arcain, who scored 17 points, took an elbow to the eye during a
scramble for a loose-ball in the closing seconds.
Houston coach Van Chancellor said Arcain's prognosis was not
good.
"She's not doing great," Chancellor said. "She'll be doubtful for Miami (on Friday)."
McWilliams-Franklin, an All-Star for the Miracle, highlighted a
decisive 18-5 run over the last 7:11.
McWilliams-Franklin finished with a season-high 13 rebounds and
tied a league record with 10 offensive rebounds.
Shannon Johnson added 12 points and six assists for Orlando
(7-12).
McWilliams-Franklin, a starter for the Eastern Conference in
Monday night's WNBA All-Star game, blamed the All-Star layoff for
the Orlando's troubles.
"Even if you do the bike and stairs, it can't replace game
conditions," McWilliams-Franklin said. "Everybody is in the same
situation, though. In three or four games, everyone will be back to
normal."
McWilliams-Franklin hit a layin that tied the game at 50 with
2:23 left. After one of the Comets' 22 turnovers,
McWilliams-Franklin broke the tie with a short jumper from the
post.
McWilliams-Franklin made another short shot with 57.7 seconds
remaining for a four-point lead, ending a run of eight unanswered
points for Orlando. But Arcain hit two foul shots six seconds
later, cutting the lead to 54-52.
Orlando held on as Tiffany McCain made three of five free throws
in the final seconds.
Houston (14-5) took its biggest lead, eight points, with 7:39
remaining. Arcain scored eight points early in the second half as
the Comets built a 47-39 advantage.
The Miracle ended a competitive opening half with an 11-3 run
for a four-point halftime lead. Elaine Powell had seven of her 11
points in the final 4:16, while McWilliams-Franklin added four foul
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ALSO SEE
WNBA Scoreboard
Houston team page
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