WNBA: Connecticut 80, Washington 77

UNCASVILLE, Conn., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Nykesha Sales scored a team-high 17 points Sunday night to lead Connecticut to an 80-77 win over Washington.

The Sun, who still have five games left in the regular season, improved to 23-6 overall with their fifth straight victory and clinched home-court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Lindsay Whalen, with 16 points, was the second of six players in double figures for the Sun.

Connecticut has a 6½ game lead over Indiana and is 8-2 in its last 10 games.

Charlotte Smith-Taylor led the Mystics with 17 points and nine rebounds. Alana Beard added 15 points.

Washington has dropped two in a row, and is 5-5 in its last 10 games.