USA - Monarchs rule in WNBA Finals rematch

NEW YORK (WNBA) - Scholanda Robinson scored a season-high 13 points off the bench and Ticha Penicheiro added 12 as the Sacramento Monarchs posted an 85-75 victory over the Detroit Shock on Saturday.

Rebekkah Brunson had 11 points and 10 rebounds and Yolanda Griffith added 11 and eight for Sacramento (9-4), who have won three of four and gained a measure of revenge over Detroit.

The Shock beat the Monarchs in five games in the 2006 WNBA Finals, and also ran out 75-68 winners in Detroit on May 19.

Robinson, who was a perfect 4-of-4 from the field and the free-throw line, scored seven of her total in the second quarter when Sacramento took a 36-30 half-time lead.

Penicheiro had eight points in the final 2:05 for the Monarchs, who shot 45 percent (26-of-58).

Deanna Nolan scored a game-high 23 points and Katie Smith added 17 for the Shock (10-2), who shot 42 percent (28-of-66) and suffered just their second loss.

Also on Saturday, Becky Hammon scored 20 points and Sophia Young added 17 and eight rebounds as the San Antonio Silver Stars coasted to a 71-58
triumph over the Connecticut Sun and stretched their winning streak to four games.

Leading 56-52 in the fourth quarter, the Silver Stars pulled away for good behind an impressive 10-2 surge, capped by Young's jumper at the 5:18 mark. Hammon scored five in the run.

And DeLisha Milton-Jones scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds as the Washington Mystics posted a 99-86 victory over the Chicago Sky.

Alana Beard had 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists and Nikki Teasley scored 15 points for Washington (3-10), who have won three of five after starting the season 0-8.

Washington led 46-36 at half-time. Beard scored all of her points in the second half for the Mystics, who shot 58 percent (37-of-64).

Ian Parker
FIBA