Storm blow lead, fall to Monarchs

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— The Sacramento Monarchs used a 23-8 run in an 8-minute span Friday night to erase a 13-point deficit and pick up their first win of the preseason, 59-56 over the Seattle Storm.

The second-half comeback offset a dismal first half that featured an uncharacteristic 13 turnovers for Sacramento.

“Last year, our turnovers were 13-14 per game,” said Monarchs’ coach John Whisenant. “We had that many at halftime. That was mainly because our offense was standing around.”

After a quick four points to start the game, the Monarchs fell victim to a 20-4 run by Seattle and didn’t lead again until the second half.

Yolanda Griffin led the Monarchs with 14 points, while DeMya Walker, Tangela Smith, Kara Lawson and Rebekka Brunson each added 10. Seattle was led by Kamila Vodichkova’s 12 points and Lauren Jackson’s 11.