SPARKS TODAY

vs. New York, 1 p.m. Channel 4

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KEZY (1190).

* Records--Sparks 12-6, Liberty 10-7.

* Record vs. Liberty--0-1.

* Update--New York is clinging to first place in the WNBA’s Eastern Conference, and it’s a struggle. The Liberty’s 71-55 defeat at Sacramento on Thursday was New York’s third loss in five games. And the Liberty must play nine of its last 15 on the road. The Sparks have won two of their last three and nine of 11. The team played its two best games of the season so far Sunday and Wednesday in wins over Houston (78-65) and Phoenix (84-63). The Sparks held Houston and Phoenix to less than 39% shooting. The floor game and defense of guard Gordana Grubin, a rising star, have been superb, and in the last two games she’s seven for 11 on three-point shots. Center Lisa Leslie has made 14 of 25 shots and taken down 19 rebounds the last two games. Vickie Johnson leads the Liberty with 15 points a game. In the previous meeting, the Sparks lost at Madison Square Garden, 84-72.

* Tickets--(213) 365-6300.