Jackson, Bird topple Monarchs

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Lauren Jackson had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Seattle Storm to a 79-64 victory Tuesday night over the Sacramento Monarchs.

Sue Bird had 16 points and nine assists for Seattle, which passed idle Los Angeles for second place in the West, one game behind San Antonio.

Crystal Kelly scored 12 points for the Monarchs, who have lost three straight and five of seven to fall into last in the West. Sacramento’s leading scorer, Nicole Powell, missed her first eight shots and finished with 11 points.

Swin Cash had 14 points, Camille Little scored 12 and Tanisha Wright had 11 points and six assists for Seattle, which snapped a six-game road losing streak.

The Storm led by 14 points at the half and opened the third quarter by outscoring the Monarchs 17-3.