Monarchs 73, Mercury 70

AP

  
 
   

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) Ticha Penicherio had 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists Tuesday night to lead the Sacramento Monarchs to a 73-70 victory over Phoenix, extending the Mercury's road losing streak to 21 games.

The victory was the seventh in eight games for Sacramento (11-17), and kept Phoenix (9-20) in the WNBA Western Conference cellar. The Mercury have lost four straight and 10 of 11.

Phoenix trailed 71-62 when Gordana Grubin made a 3-pointer to start an 8-0 run that Jennifer Gillom capped with a 3 that made it 71-70 with 21 seconds left.

Penicheiro, who also had tied a career-high with seven steals, made two free throws with 10.4 seconds left, putting the Monarchs ahead 73-70. Grubin missed a 3-pointer with 2 seconds left.

Lady Grooms scored 12 points and Griffith had 11 points and seven rebounds for the Monarchs, who shot 52 percent (29-of-56).

Phoenix has lost 13 straight on the road this season. A 63-47 loss last July 29 in Sacramento started the streak. The Mercury have one road game remaining this season, Aug. 11 in Portland.

Gillom made three 3-pointers and finished with 22 points for the Mercury, who finished 6-of-12 from 3-point range. Adrain Williams had 15 points and seven rebounds, while Grubin added 10 points.

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