HOUSTON, June 9 (Ticker) -- The Houston Comets made easy work of the New York Liberty on Friday.

Tina Thompson tied a season high with 23 points and Roneeka Hodges scored 15 points as the Comets coasted to a 97-62 victory over the Liberty without reigning MVP Sheryl Swoopes.

NBA TV highlights from Liberty-Comets: Play

The Comets wasted no time building a comfortable lead as Dominique Canty scored seven of her 11 points during a 20-8 surge to open the game and held a 44-31 edge at intermission.

Houston shot 55 percent (17-of-31) from the field in the first half.

Thompson made a driving layup and then converted a three-point play with 7:28 remaining in the third quarter to extend the Comets advantage to 53-34.

Tamecka Dixon scored 14 points off the bench and Dawn Staley added 11 for Houston, which shot 63 percent (38-of-60) overall and made 7-of-12 3-pointers.

Swoopes missed her second straight game due to back spasms suffered against Minnesota on Sunday.

Iciss Tillis scored 12 points off the bench and Becky Hammon had 10 and six assists for the Liberty, who shot 35 percent (24-of-67).