HOUSTON, May 21 (Ticker) -- Vickie Johnson's veteran presence paid early dividends for the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Johnson scored 14 of her 18 points in the second half as the Silver Stars claimed a surprising 79-63 victory over the Houston Comets in the season opener for both teams.

NBA TV highlights from Silver Stars-Comets: Play

Signed as a free agent in the offseason from the New York Liberty, Johnson was brought in to provide experience and leadership for a team that is one of the WNBA's youngest.

Last season, San Antonio finished last in the Western Conference with a 7-27 mark, including a 2-15 showing on the road.

One of the few players to appear in each of the first nine seasons of the league, Johnson shot 7-of-14 from the field and handed out four assists.

After the Comets closed within 65-58 on a turnaround jumper by Sheryl Swoopes with 6:33 remaining in the fourth, Johnson sank one of two free throws and later added a driving layup to rebuild the lead back up to 70-58 with 4:29 to play.

Rookie Shana Zolman scored 15 points and Sophia Young, the team's top pick in April's draft, added 13 and 12 rebounds for San Antonio, which held a 40-24 advantage on the glass.

Swoopes scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting and pulled down seven boards for Houston.