DETROIT SHOCK 69, CHARLOTTE STING 55

The Sting's shooting woes continued in Detroit on Friday night as the Shock handed Charlotte its third consecutive loss, 69-55. It was the sixth loss in seven games to open the season for the Sting and the fourth straight on the road.

Charlotte connected only three times in its first 18 field goal attempts and trailed 23-7 just over 10 minutes into the contest. It wasn't until 8:38 remained in the first half that a Sting player other than Sheri Sam connected on a field goal attempt. Once the offense warmed up though, the Sting put together a 13-4 run fueled by Allison Feaster and Teana Miller to cut the margin to 32-28 at the half.

The teams traded baskets through the opening minutes of the second half with the Sting never able to get closer than six. Charlotte trailed 45-39 with 11:40 remaining when the Shock went on a 16-6 run led by Chandi Jones to break the game open. The Sting commited eight turnovers during the seven-minute stretch. Detroit extended its lead to as much as 19 in the closing minutes in winning for the fifth time in six games.

Cheryl Ford registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Shock. Elaine Powell (12), Chandi Jones (10) and Ayana Walker (10) also scored in double-figures for Detroit. Deanna Nolan added nine points, seven assists and six rebounds.

Teana Miller, making her first start of the season at center, and Sheri Sam led the Sting with eight points each. Dawn Staley added seven points and seven assists.

Charlotte shot just .333 (19-57) from the field, while allowing Detroit to connect on .548 (23-42) of its attempts. The Sting were outrebounded 31-23 and outscored in the paint, 38-24.

GM & HEAD COACH TRUDI LACEY SAYS... (On the game) We just missed open shots and we didn't convert their turnovers into points for us. We were just up against a better team. (On the change at starting center) Tammy has a sprained ankle so she is only about 70 percent. INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM SHERI SAM (On the game) We had open shots so I don't know if it was due to their defense, we just didn't hit the open shots. We are having problems putting the ball in the hole.� I think that has been our nemesis.� We are out attempting our opponents; we just have to make some shots.

JUNE 10, 2005 Team 1 2 TOT CHARLOTTE 28 27 55 DETROIT 32 37 69 STAR OF THE GAME DAWN STALEY 7 points 7 assists 4 steals 29 minutes SUB OF THE GAME TYNESHA LEWIS 7 points 2 assists 17 minutes QUOTE OF THE DAY "We just missed open shots and we didn't convert their turnovers into points for us." - Trudi Lacey STAT OF THE GAME Field Goal Percentage Charlotte - .333 (19-57) Detroit - .548 (23-42) HUSTLE BOARD Team REB STL BLK TOT CHA 23 12 3 38 DET 31 4 8 43