The East is tighter than stretch pants

Current standings:

East

New York Liberty, 19-8
Chicago Sky, 17-11
Indiana Fever, 17-11
Washington Mystics, 16-11
Atlanta Dream, 12-16
Connecticut Sun, 12-16

West

Minnesota Lynx, 19-10
Phoenix Mercury, 17-12
Tulsa Shock, 14-14
Los Angeles Sparks, 11-18
Seattle Storm, 8-20
San Antonio Stars, 7-22

Because of tonight's results:

The Liberty clinched a playoff spot in the East by dominating the Lynx, 81-68.

The Dream came from behind to beat the Fever, 90-84. Tiffany Hayes had a career-high 28 points for Atlanta, and Tamika Catchings posted 24 points for Indiana. Teammate Layshia Clarendon recorded a career-high 17 points, stepping up for Briann January, who left the game in the second quarter after a collision. The Fever could have clinched a playoff position with a win.

The Mystics handled the Mercury, 71-63, and bolstered their playoff chances.

The Shock ran their winning streak to four, with a 76-66 win over the Sparks. Tulsa is at .500, and solidly third in the West.

The Storm pushed past the Stars, 83-69.

Dream:

Veteran forward Delisha Milton-Jones became the all-time WNBA games-played leader tonight, playing in her 497th game.

Sparks:

I got word from the Sparks this morning that Marianna Tolo tore her ACL in Wednesday's game against the Fever. Nothing yet on their website.

Sun:

The Sun are refusing to dwell on their losses.

Tomorrow's games:

Liberty at Sun

Sky at Dream

College news:

Maryland has unveiled their new court design.

Danielle Parks has been promoted to assistant coach at Rhode Island.

Taylor Rooks has transferred from Stanford to Harvard.