WASHINGTON -- The Charlotte Sting, a team that started the season 1-10, clinched the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, keeping the Orlando Miracle out of the postseason.

The Sting defeated the Washington Mystics 65-50 Monday night, with help from Dawn Staley, who scored 13 points.

Charlotte extended its winning streak to four games and joined Cleveland, New York and Miami as playoff qualifiers in the East.

Washington had its three-game home winning streak snapped.

Vicky Bullett hit a three-pointer and Annie Burgess stole the inbounds pass and made a quick jumper as Washington cut a seven-point deficit to two, 61-59, with 45.9 seconds remaining.

Charlotte's Andrea Stinson countered with four free throws, including two with 20.8 seconds remaining, to seal the victory.

HOUSTON 62, PHOENIX 48: Janeth Arcain had 18 points and five assists as the Houston Comets spoiled Phoenix coach Cynthia Cooper's return and eliminated the Mercury from playoff contention.

Cooper, who helped lead the Comets to four championships before retiring at the end of last season to become the Mercury's coach, faced her former teammates for just the second time this season and for the first time at the Compaq Center.

NBA

NEW YORK -- Teams will play in Japan, Germany, Italy and Mexico during an exhibition schedule that begins Oct. 5.

The two-time defending champion Lakers will face Golden State in Tokyo on Oct. 13 and 14, the sixth time since 1990 the league has played in Japan.

The Raptors and the Timberwolves will meet Oct. 13 in Cologne, Germany.

The Magic will take on the Clippers in Mexico City Oct. 21. This will be the ninth time since 1992 games have been held in Mexico.

CAVALIERS: Second-round draft pick Jeff Trepagnier, from Southern Cal, signed a one-year contract for the NBA minimum $332,817.

KNICKS: Former Northern Illinois coach Andy Greer was hired as an assistant coach and scout.

Greer spent the past 18 seasons as an assistant or head coach in college. He was the interim coach at Northern Illinois last season.

The team also announced that assistant Steve Clifford will take Kevin O'Neill's spot as a bench coach next season.

76ERS: Three rookie draft picks signed: center Samuel Dalembert of Seton Hall, forward Damone Brown of Syracuse and center Alvin Jones of Georgia Tech.

Dalembert, the 26th pick, was the team's career leader in blocked shots with 167.

Brown was the 37th overall pick. The 6-foot-9 player led Syracuse in rebounding as a senior with 8.8 per game.

Jones, the 57th overall pick, is Tech's career shot-blocker.

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