SACRAMENTO, May 31 (UPI) -- Yolando Griffith collected 22 points and nine rebounds Friday night as the Sacramento Monarchs celebrated their home opener with a 69-49 rout of the Phoenix Mercury.
Sacramento opened its season with a 65-56 victory at Phoenix on May 22 behind a huge game from Griffith, who had 27 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. The three-time All-Star was just as effective in this meeting.
The Monarchs used a devastating 25-2 run that was fueled by eight points apiece from Griffith and rookie Kara Lawson for a 33-11 cushion with 5:24 left before halftime. Sacramento settled for a 35-19 edge at intermission.
A pair of foul shots by Griffith with 4:34 left to play gave Sacramento its largest lead, 63-37.
Ticha Penicheiro handed out 14 of the Monarchs' 20 assists. The Monarchs played without Ruthie Bolton, who was available but did not see action due to a right thigh bruise.
Rookie Plenette Pierson scored all her 13 points in the second half to lead Phoenix, which has lost 22 of its last 23 road games. Adrian Williams chipped in 12 points for the Mercury, who shot just under 33 percent (20-of-61).
