Monarchs Slow Mercury

Yolanda Griffith had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the surging Sacramento Monarchs never trailed in a 76-70 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night at Sacramento.

The Mercury (16-16) fell into a tie with the Sparks for the fourth and final Western Conference playoff berth. Phoenix has the tiebreaker advantage.

Diana Taurasi scored 19 points for Phoenix but committed nine of the Mercury’s 20 turnovers. The Monarchs have won 11 of their last 12 games.

Seattle 78, San Antonio 51 -- Betty Lennox and Tanisha Wright led the Storm as it clinched a playoff spot with a victory at San Antonio.

Lennox, playing for the first time in six games since tearing ligaments in her left wrist, scored 12 points in 14 minutes. Wright also had 12.

Washington 82, New York 69 -- Chasity Melvin matched her career high with 30 points and grabbed nine rebounds at Washington to help keep the Mystics’ playoff hopes alive with the overtime victory.

Charlotte 56, Detroit 49 -- Sheri Sam and Teana Miller scored 12 points apiece as the Sting won at Charlotte. The Sting (5-27) ended a five-game losing streak and won for only the second time in 17 games.

Indiana 69, Connecticut 63 -- Tamika Catchings scored 18 points and grabbed a key defensive rebound in the closing seconds at Uncasville, Conn.