Mabika Helps Sparks End Monarchs’ Streak
Mwadi Mabika had 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists Saturday to help the Sparks end the Sacramento Monarchs’ franchise-record six-game winning streak with an 81-71 victory before 11,480 at Arco Arena.
Mabika had 15 second-half points as the Sparks (21-6) avoided their first three-game losing streak since last season.
The Sparks, who made 11 of 23 three-point shots, have won eight in a row over Sacramento.
“This was a big game on the road for us against a tough team,” Spark Coach Michael Cooper said. “They have their important people back. They are a tough team. With them back, we probably would have been battling them again in the playoffs.”
Leading 61-59, the Sparks went on an eight-point run--paced by three-point baskets from Tamecka Dixon and Nikki Teasley.
Teasley made five three-pointers and scored a career-best 18 points. Dixon added 13 and DeLisha Milton had 11.
“My teammates were telling me to take the shots because Ticha [Penicheiro] was playing off me,” Teasley said. “They got me the ball and helped me get shots.”
Lisa Leslie tied a season-low with only four points, going the first 26 minutes without a basket. She finished one for nine from the field with nine rebounds and seven turnovers before fouling out.
Easily winning the battle inside against Leslie, Yolanda Griffith helped keep Sacramento (10-17) close with season bests of 28 points and 15 rebounds. Ruthie Bolton made five three-pointers and scored 17 points.
“We should have got the ball more to Yolanda, who did a wonderful job on Lisa Leslie,” Monarch Coach Maura McHugh said. “She played like a warrior.”
Penicheiro had 16 assists, matching her WNBA record, set July 29, 1998, against Cleveland.
Penicheiro, who also had five steals and six rebounds, joined New York’s Teresa Weatherspoon as the only WNBA players to have at least 1,000 career assists.
“One thousand assists feels good, but I would have rather traded it for a victory,” Penicheiro said.
Sacramento forward Tangela Smith scored six points, ending a streak of 20 consecutive games in double figures.