Rookie steps in to score Fever’s winning point

Rookie guard Yolanda Paige, shooting free throws for an injured teammate, made 1 of 2 as the Indiana Fever held on for a 61-60 win over the Sacramento Monarchs on Wednesday night in Indianapolis.

Tully Bevilaqua was fouled hard by Ticha Penicheiro as she drove for a fast-break layup with 52.4 seconds to play and the score tied at 60. When Bevilaqua was taken to the training room with an apparent knee sprain, Monarchs coach John Whisenant was allowed to pick any Fever player to shoot the free throws. He chose Paige, and she made one shot.

Liberty 77, Mystics 68: At Washington, Vickie Johnson had 23 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, and New York pulled away with a late run to defeat Washington.

Johnson went 9 for 12 from the field, and Becky Hammon added 13 points and five assists for the Liberty

Chasity Melvin scored 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting to lead the Mystics, but she fouled out with 4:24 to play.

Storm activate Vodopyanova

The Seattle Storm activated Natalia Vodopyanova and placed rookie forward Ashley Battle on the injured list with a right shoulder injury.