HOUSTON, Aug. 31 (Ticker) -- Tina Thompson and Janeth Arcain refused to let the Sacramento Monarchs eliminate them from the playoffs on their home court.

NBA TV highlights from Monarchs-Comets: 56k | 300k The Run: Play Postgame news conference: Play

Thompson scored 11 of her 17 points and Arcain eight of her 13 in the first half as the Houston Comets jumped out to a big lead and cruised to a 69-48 victory over the Monarchs to even their best-of-three Western Conference first-round series.

Sheryl Swoopes added 14 points for Houston, which shot just 40 percent (25-for-63) but held Sacramento to 32 percent (20-for-62) to avenge a 65-59 road loss in Game 1 on Friday.

Houston, which never trailed, held an early 8-4 lead before going on a 16-2 run to break open the contest. Arcain had six points during the burst for the Comets, who had lost five of their last six postseason games.

The Comets, who held a 34-19 advantage at the break, went on a 17-3 burst midway through the second half, taking their biggest lead, 64-33, capped by Ukari Figgs' jumper with 5:58 to play.

Yolanda Griffith collected 20 points and 11 rebounds to pace the Monarchs.

Game 3 is Tuesday in Houston.