Ford Drives Detroit Past New York

Cheryl Ford had 20 points and 13 rebounds Tuesday night as Detroit moved closer to the WNBA playoffs with an 82-71 overtime victory over the New York Liberty at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The defending champion Shock can clinch a playoff spot with a victory in Sunday’s regular-season finale against Charlotte.

Swin Cash, who injured her left knee Saturday night in Detroit’s 80-72 victory over Phoenix, announced Tuesday that she will sit out the rest of the season because of a torn ligament.

Houston 70, Minnesota 59 -- Tina Thompson scored 27 points, and Sheryl Swoopes had 15 at Houston as the Comets ended a four-game losing streak and kept their playoffs hopes alive.