Griffith Helps Lift Monarchs to First in the West

Yolanda Griffith had 22 points and nine rebounds, and Sacramento defeated Indiana, 65-51, Tuesday night at Arco Arena to help the Monarchs move into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

The Monarchs (5-1) led, 35-23, at halftime and quickly stretched the lead to 17 points in the second half. But the Fever (4-3) cut the deficit to 53-46 with about four minutes remaining.

Ticha Penicheiro had a season-high 15 points for the Monarchs.

Minnesota 62, Houston 58 -- Katie Smith scored 21 points, and Nicole Ohlde had 20 and a game-high 11 rebounds to lift the Lynx at Houston.

The Comets (4-2), held without a field goal for 8:44 in the middle of the second half, got within two points when Michelle Snow, who finished with 15 points, converted a three-point play. But Minnesota (3-3) secured the win on Stacey Lovelace’s free throws with less than five seconds to play.

Connecticut 81, Seattle 69 -- Katie Douglas scored 20 points, and Margo Dydek had 14 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Sun at Uncasville, Conn.

The rematch of last season’s WNBA championship turned out to be a painful homecoming for Storm (4-2) guard Sue Bird, the former University of Connecticut star, who broke her nose with three minutes to play.

Teammate Lauren Jackson’s elbow caught Bird as they scrambled for a rebound. Bird also broke her nose during the WNBA playoffs last year.

Jackson finished with 20 points.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had 19 points for Connecticut (4-1), and Dydek finished with 11 for her first double-double with the Sun.

San Antonio 71, Washington 62 -- LaToya Thomas scored 23 points for the host Silver Stars, who closed with a 10-0 run.

Alana Beard, who missed her first eight shots, finished with 16 points for the Mystics (2-5). Chasity Melvin had 15 points, all in the first half.

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Anne Donovan of the Storm and Mike Thibault of the Sun have been selected to coach the Western and Eastern Conference teams, respectively, in the All-Star game July 9 at Uncasville.