It’s a Miracle Win in Third Overtime

Shannon Johnson scored 15 of her franchise-record 35 points after regulation and the Orlando Miracle beat the Cleveland Rockers, 103-99, in triple overtime Saturday night before 7,255 at Orlando, Fla.

Johnson played 51 minutes, making 11 of 15 shots and 11 of 12 free throws.

“I didn’t start off very good, but my teammates stayed with me the whole night,” said Johnson, whose 11 points in the final overtime topped her output in the first half by two.

Jessie Hicks added a career-high 18 points, eight in the overtime periods.

Orlando (3-1), which set a franchise record for points, made 28 of 32 free throws in the game.

Johnson made four free throws over the final 15 seconds, as the Miracle made all eight foul shots in overtime.

Penny Taylor scored 27 points to lead Cleveland, 12 after regulation for the Rockers (1-2).

Utah 69, Charlotte 64--The Starzz held the Sting to only one basket during a six-minute span late in the game before a crowd of 7,258 at Salt Lake City.

With the Starzz (3-2) holding a 63-62 lead, Natalie Williams missed two free throws with 21.9 seconds left, but LaTonya Johnson grabbed the rebound. Johnson, who had not attempted a free throw all season, calmly made both shots for a 65-62 lead.

Summer Erb made a baseline jumper, only the second basket for the Sting (2-2) in the last 6:30, but the Starzz clinched the win as Adrienne Goodson and Marie Ferdinand made four free throws in the last 12.8 seconds.

Jennifer Azzi scored 10 of her 12 points in the second half as Utah ended a two-game losing skid.

Foul trouble hurt Charlotte down the stretch as Charlotte Smith and Tammy Sutton-Brown both fouled out.

Sutton-Brown had 14 points and 10 rebounds while Smith scored 13.

Indiana 71, New York 62--Rookie Tamika Catchings had season highs with 32 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Fever (3-2) before 7,021 at Indianapolis.

The Liberty (4-2) went on a 13-2 run midway through the second half to tie it, 49-49. But Catchings scored eight points as the Fever responded with a 16-6 run over the next five minutes and went ahead, 65-55, with 1:20 left.