Sparks make sure the Sun don't rise in the west

                                                       (Photo by Eric Wade/ EWGems)


The Sparks continued their tough test against the Eastern Conference leading Connecticut Sun, whom the team defeated earlier this season.

Candace Parker who had battled fatigue, had alot of spring back in her step with no rest from the Olympic break. Parker finished with a monster game scoring another double-double 23 points and 10 rebounds. Kristi Toliver finished with 18 points, and Nneka Ogwumike finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds for their eight straight victory at Staples Center.

The Sun maintained the pace with the Sparks, as the Los Angeles ended the first quarter only leading 20-18.

In the third quarter the Sun had no answer for Ogwumike in the paint as she scored two straight baskets that pushed the Sparks lead 70-51. While the Sparks went on an 18-0 run, the Sun called timeout twice and turned the ball over both possessions coming on to the court.
A few times in the third quarter that Parker guarded Tina Charles who only scored two points thanks to Parker's superb defense. Renee Montgomery kept Connecticut in it with a 10-point third quarter which included three 3-pointers.

The Sun opened the fourth quarter on a 17-4 run which stunned the Sparks. White made two 3-pointers during that span along with McCray who also had a three pointer.
The Sparks continued to maintain their even though they saw it slipping. But with 2:38 left, the Sparks still led 83-80 they caught a break due to Tan White's traveling violation.
Then the Sun missed a shot on their possession and Ogwumike banked in a shot. The speedy sharp Alana Beard got a huge steal with less than a minute left that captured the victory for the Sparks. Los Angeles held on to defeat the Sun 93-82 and continued their two game lead over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Sun Tina Charles finished with her 17th WNBA leading double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Kara Lawson finished with a low 7 points, and Renee Montgomery finished with 15 points.

"We just want to continue to get better going into the playoffs. I know I myself haven't played so well since the break, and my teammates have done a good job of supporting me and continuing to believe in me and continue to give me motivation," said Candace Parker.