Nneka Ogwumike puts in clutch performance in Sparks win

Nneka Ogwumike scored 21 points and Alana Beard added 17 to help the Sparks beat the Indiana Fever, 77-73, on Monday night at Staples Center.

Ogwumike scored the final four points for the Sparks (12-14), who snapped a five-game home losing streak.

She slipped behind the defense to take a pass from Kristi Toliver for an open layup and then made two free throws with five seconds remaining for a 77-73 lead.

Beard scored the go-ahead basket at 73-72 on a jumper from the right side. Indiana had chances to tie in the final seconds but Briann January missed twice and Indiana (12-14) had to foul after it could not secure the rebound on Karima Christmas’ intentionally missed free throw.

Candace Parker, the Sparks’ leading scorer and rebounder, sat out with a left knee strain, and guard Lindsey Harding missed her second straight game with a sore right foot. Tamika Catchings led the Fever with 16 points and January had 12. Erlana Larkins had 10 points and 10 rebounds.