Storm end three-game losing streak

Betty Lennox scored 15 points and the Seattle Storm broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to beat the Minnesota Lynx 74-66 on Wednesday night in Minneapolis

Janell Burse added 14 points and reserve center Tiffani Johnson had 13 for Seattle, which overcame a career-high 32 points from Minnesota rookie Seimone Augustus to snap a three-game losing streak.

The Storm led 54-51 at the start of the fourth quarter before extending their advantage with a 10-4 run. Minnesota pulled within five points, but Burse and Tanisha Wright each hit two free throws in the final 15 seconds for Seattle.

The Storm were in command for much of the first half despite making just 2 of 11 3-point attempts. Minnesota took its first lead in the final minute of the half on Svetlana Abrosimova’s 17-foot jumper, giving the Lynx a 33-32 lead at the break.

Seattle, which is in the midst of a five-game road trip, regained the lead in the third. Lennox hit consecutive 3-pointers in the opening 90 seconds, and Johnson scored the team’s last five points of the quarter. Augustus scored 15 of Minnesota’s 18 points in the third quarter.

Lynx guard Chandi Jones was on the team bench in her warmup suit, but unavailable to play after having surgery Tuesday on her left knee. She is expected to return to action within a month.

Comets 73, Monarchs 66 (OT): Tina Thompson scored eight of her 26 points in overtime to help host Houston beat Sacramento.

Michelle Snow added 18 points for the Comets and had a chance to win the game in regulation, but missed a layup as time expired.

The defending champion Monarchs, who fell to 0-2 against Houston this season, got 14 points each from Yolanda Griffith and Hamchetou Maiga-Ba.