Overtime belongs to Sparks

CHICAGO -- DeLisha Milton-Jones scored 24 points, including eight in overtime, to lead the Sparks to an 81-77 victory over the Chicago Sky on Tuesday.

Rookie Sylvia Fowles, the second overall pick in the draft by Chicago, strained her knee in a third-quarter collision with Milton-Jones. She hobbled off the court and went to the hospital for an examination. She did not return, but Sky Coach Steven Key said Fowles will be fine.

Sparks rookie Candace Parker, the first overall pick making her first visit as a pro to her hometown, had 12 points and seven rebounds but fouled out before the overtime before a crowd of 6,304 -- the Sky’s first sellout -- at the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion.

“It’s great to come home,” said Parker, the former Tennessee standout who led the Volunteers to a pair of NCAA titles, including one in April. “I was really excited to play in front of my family and friends. I probably know about half the people here.”

Milton-Jones secured the victory with a pair of free throws with 29.5 seconds left in overtime to put the Sparks up for good, 76-73.

Trailing, 56-43, as the fourth quarter opened, Chicago’s Jia Perkins sparked a rally with 10 fourth-quarter points.

Dominique Canty tied the game at 69 with two free throws for Chicago with 6.6 seconds left in regulation.

Lisa Leslie added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Sparks.

Candace Dupree paced the Sky with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Perkins finished with 16 points while Canty added 13 for Chicago.