Shock Knocks Off Sun, Wins Second Consecutive

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- For just the second time in franchise history, the Tulsa Shock has won back-to-back games, knocking off the Connecticut Sun 83-72, notching their third win of the season and ensuring that it would not be the sole possessor of the worst record in WNBA history.

The Shock struggled in the first half, falling behind 43-32 after the first 20 minutes, but flipped the script in the second half and held the Sun to just 10 field goals in the second half.

Trailing 46-32 one minute into the third quarter, Tulsa rattled off a 23-8 run over the next six minutes to tie the game 54-54 with just 2:48 left in the quarter. The two squads traded baskets for the remaining time and went into the final 10 minutes tied 59-59.

Ivory Latta and Sheryl Swoopes hit back-to-back shots to open the quarter, sparking a 17-2 run spanning more than seven minutes to take a 76-61 lead with less than three minutes to play in the game. Connecticut responded with a quick 7-2 run to close the deficit to 10 points, but Tulsa responded with five consecutive to make it 83-68 and close the door on a Sun comeback.

Forty-year-old Swoopes led all scorers with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Latta added 19 points and dished out six assists. Forward Tiffany Jackson did her job keeping the boards clean, turning in a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards in the win.

Tina Charles led the charge for the Sun, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the loss. The only other Connecticut player to notch a double-digit scoring total was Renee Montgomery, who managed just 12 points in 32 minutes.

Tulsa now has six more chances to avoid remaining tied for the worst record in league history, with their first chance coming at 7 p.m. Tuesday against Phoenix.