Ogwumike Helps Sparks Edge Fever, 77-73
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nneka Ogwumike scored 21 points and Alana Beard added 17 to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Indiana Fever 77-73 on Monday night.
Ogwumike scored the final four points for the Sparks (12-14), who snapped a five-game home losing streak, dating to their last home win on June 24. She slipped behind the defense to take a pass from Kristi Toliver for an open layup and then made two free throws with five seconds remaining for a 77-73 lead.
Beard scored the go-ahead basket at 73-72 on a jumper from the right side. Indiana had chances to tie in the final seconds but Briann January missed twice and Indiana (12-14) had to foul after it could not secure the rebound on Karima Christmas' intentionally missed free throw.
Sparks leading scorer and rebounder Candace Parker sat out with a left-knee strain, and guard Lindsey Harding missed her second straight game with a sore right foot.
Tamika Catchings led the Fever with 16 points and January had 12. Erlana Larkins had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
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