SACRAMENTO, June 21 (UPI) -- Tangela Smith scored 20 points and Kedra Holland-Corn added 14 Thursday night to lead the Sacramento Monarchs to a 72-64 victory over the Seattle Storm.
Seattle took a 31-30 halftime lead behind nine points from Lauren Jackson, but the Monarchs opened the second half with an 18-6 run as Smith scored 10 points, including a basket that forged a 50-39 advantage with 12:17 remaining.
The Storm used a 10-3 run to climb to within 53-49 as Simone Edwards made a foul shot with 8:27 to go. Jackson's layup reduced the deficit to 67-64 with 45 seconds left.
Smith split two free throws and Ticha Penicheiro made 3-of-4 as Sacramento improved to 2-6 and avoided the worst start in franchise history. The Monarchs lost six of seven to start the 1998 season.
Lady Grooms netted 13 points and Penicheiro added 10 and 10 assists for the Monarchs.
Jackson led Seattle with 15 points and Kate Paye added 11. Rookie Sue Bird had a quiet night, making just 3-of-9 shots for seven points.
