Houston, Texas (AHN) - Making free throws has become an underappreciated facet of professional basketball, but the Houston Comets can certainly see their value.

That was particularly true on Thursday night, as the Comets connected on six free throws in the final 40 seconds and got 20 points from Tina Thompson to hold off the Seattle Storm 81-76.

Hamchetou Maiga-Ba scored 15 points and Hodges had 14 in a reserve role, including four of those clutch free throws, for Houston (4-11). Sancho Lyttle added 10 points and nine rebounds for the victors.

Lauren Jackson had her usual strong game for the Storm, scoring 25 points with eight rebounds and three assists. Seattle dropped to .500 (7-7) with the loss.