Aug 16, 2007, 4:30 GMT
Sacramento, CA - Kristen Haynie had 14 points and three assists off the bench as Sacramento withstood a late San Antonio run to hold on for an 81-74 victory in a game with Western Conference playoff implications.
Haynie was one of four Monarchs in double figures, as Kara Lawson (13 points), Nicole Powell (13), and Yolanda Griffith (10) made solid scoring contributions as well. Ticha Penicheiro chipped in nine points and four assists, and Rebbekah Brunson added seven points and 12 rebounds.
San Antonio pulled to within one, at 73-72, with just under two minutes to play, but a pair of poorly executed offensive possessions led to a 6-0 Monarchs run that ultimately sealed the outcome.
Becky Hammon poured in 19 points for the Silver Stars, but was held to just two in the second half, shooting 7-for-17 on the night.
Sophia Young had 19 points and grabbed four rebounds, and Camille Little added 11 and eight, respectively.
San Antonio held a 43-35 halftime lead, but the Monarchs stepped up the defensive pressure in the third quarter to inch closer, and then held the Silver Stars to just 12 points in the fourth to take control of the game. A total of 19 team turnovers also contributed to the blown lead.
With the win, Sacramento (19-13) moves to within a game of the Silver Stars in the Western Conference standings with two to play. San Antonio (20-12) missed an opportunity to gain ground on first-place Phoenix, which has won three straight and now holds a one-game lead in the conference.
© 2007 The Sports Network
Your Talkback on this Story