SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 25 (Ticker) -- Yolanda Griffith took advantage of Tina Thompson's absence.

Griffith collected 22 points and 11 rebounds to lift the Sacramento Monarchs to a 61-55 victory over the Houston Comets.

NBA TV highlights from Monarchs-Comets: 56k | 300k

Sacramento ended a three-game skid and improved to 1-1 against Houston. The Comets fell to 1-3 in their last four games without Thompson, who is out with a calf injury.

Without Thompson to contend with inside, Griffith had her way with 14 first-half points. But a game effort by Sheryl Swoopes kept Houston close until the end.

Swoopes pulled Houston within 56-55 with a technical free throw with 2:10 left. Sacramento answered 19 seconds later with Ticha Penicheiro's 3-pointer and held the Comets scoreless the rest of the way.

Swoopes poured in 16 of her 25 points in the second half and Michelle Snow added 12 points and 10 rebounds for Houston. The Comets' 15 turnovers were converted into 21 points by the Monarchs.