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Melvin helps Sky grab first win

May 26, 2007 - 2:53 AM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- After seeing their leading scorer depart via trade just a day earlier, the Chicago Sky saw why they acquired Chasity Melvin's services.

Melvin played a huge role down the stretch in her Chicago debut and Candice Dupree scored 25 points as the Sky downed the Minnesota Lynx, 82-77, on Friday.

Acquired from the Washington Mystics for leading scorer Monique Currie on Thursday, Melvin stepped up late for Chicago.

After the Lynx had cut a 67-51 fourth-quarter deficit down to 79-77 with under 30 seconds remaining, the 6-3 Melvin blocked a shot from Minnesota's Tiffany Stansbury and grabbed a rebound a few seconds later before drawing a foul.

Melvin converted two free throws with eight seconds remaining to extend the advantage to 81-77, putting the game out of reach.

Dupree's huge night almost went for naught in a contest that Chicago never trailed. After the Lynx's Nicole Ohlde converted a three-point play on the first possession of the third quarter to narrow the Sky's lead to 35-34, Dupree scored seven points during Chicago's 13-0 run over the next two-plus minutes to increase their lead to 48-34.

However, Minnesota stormed back from a 16-point hole at 8:57 mark of the final period. Trailing, 67-51, reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Seimone Augustus capped a 26-12 run in which she posted 10 points over the next 8:11 with her third 3-pointer of the game to trim to Lynx's lead down to two at 79-77.

On the next Chicago possession, Dominique Canty was whistled for an offensive foul, allowing Minnesota a chance to tie the game. However, the Lynx missed three shots - including two layups - to waste a chance to pick up their first win of the season.

Stacey Dales scored 15 points and dished out six assists for Chicago, which shot 54 percent (30-of-56) from the floor.

Augustus scored 31 points and Ohlde added 18 for Minnesota, which shot just 38 percent (28-of-74).