Once again, a late night or early morning, as the case may be, dispatch from the Sports Desk where your intrepid Gonzo Journalist just returned from the Palace of Auburn Hills...

it was another happy evening for the Detroit Shock and their fans as the Shock won their second consecutive game, beating the Houston Comets 71-55...

Deanna Nolan won player of the game honors for her 20 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. She played all but one minute of the game.

Cheryl Ford also had another MVP-like performance, finishing with 18 points and 12 rebounds. As was the case the previous night, she did not miss any free throws and I once again have to give her lots of credit for improving that part of her game.

Ruth Riley had 10 points, Swin Cash nine, and Plenette Pierson added eight off the bench. Katie Smith had three steals to lead Detroit in that category, while Pierson and Riley each blocked two shots.

And so the Shock gain some much needed momentum and raise their 2006 record to six wins and four losses. They now need to build on this positive energy and keep winning, and in the process move up from where they currently sit in fourth place to a higher spot in the Eastern conference standings.

On a more personal note, this Gonzo Journalist was able to get a copy of his book "Worst to First, Or, a 'Shock'ing tale of women's basketball in Motown" into the hands of Deanna Nolan. I sure hope she likes it!