Hammon, Liberty earn sweep of Sparks

NEW YORK – Becky Hammon scored 18 of her 22 points in the second half to lead the New York Liberty over the Los Angeles Sparks 74-69 Wednesday night.

Ann Wauters had 18 points and Elena Baranova added 15 points and nine rebounds for New York, which swept a season series from Los Angeles for the first time.

Chamique Holdsclaw had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and Lisa Leslie scored 18 points for the Sparks, who finished 2-6 on their season-high eight-game road trip. Los Angeles has lost 8 of 10 overall, falling one game behind Minnesota and Phoenix for fourth in the West.

Doneeka Hodges hit a 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds remaining to pull the Sparks within three points, but Hammon made two free throws 5 seconds later to seal New York’s win.