Shock Folds In Second Half Against Los Angeles

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Despite holding a double-digit lead at halftime, the Tulsa Shock was unable to snap its losing streak, falling to the Los Angeles Sparks 73-67 Sunday, dropping its 18th consecutive game, marking the longest losing streak in league history.

The Shock jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, snapping off 13-consecutive points in the opening quarter to take a 17-5 lead with four minutes left to play in the first quarter.

Despite Delisha Milton-Jones scoring nine-straight for LA, Jennifer Lacy and Sheryl Swoopes dropped three consecutive 3-pointers to keep the lead at 26-17 to end the quarter.

Tulsa was dominant in the second quarter, holding the Sparks to just four field goals in the quarter, while scoring 19 points in the second quarter. The Shock closed the half scoring seven of the final nine to head into the locker room leading 45-32.

However, the wheels fell off for the Shock in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.

The Shock managed just nine points in the third quarter, including a scoring drought of nearly four minutes in the third quarter while scoring 13-consecutive to take a 53-50 advantage with 90 seconds left in the quarter.

Tulsa scored on back-to-back layups to retake a one-point lead to head into the closing quarter, but that would be the last lead the Shock would hold.

Los Angeles snapped off a 13-2 run to start the fourth quarter and take a 67-56 lead four minutes into the quarter.

Candace Parker led all scorers Sunday with 23 points and nine rebounds, while Milton-Jones added 15 points and seven rebounds for Los Angeles.

Swoopes led the charge for Tulsa, scoring 17 points and grabbing six boards, while Jennifer Lacy added 13 and Ivory Latta scored 11 points.

Tulsa's next shot to snap the streak will come at 7 p.m. Tuesday against the Minnesota Lynx.