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Powell, Monarchs triumph over Sparks

Jun 3, 2007 - 5:24 AM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Monarch's unveiled a banner celebrating last season's Western Conference championship before their sixth consecutive sellout crowd. Yolando Griffith helped them celebrate after the game as well.

Griffith, who was just 1-of-7 from the floor, made two free throws with four seconds left as the Monarchs held on for an 88-85 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday.

Rookie Sidney Spencer made her fourth three-pointer of the night to pull the Sparks within 86-85 with 29 seconds left. Tico Penicheiro missed an open layup for the Monarchs, but Griffith grabbed the rebound and drew a foul from Mwadi Mabika.

After Griffith's free throws, Nicole Powell's steal off of Chamique Holdsclaw at midcourt sealed Sacramento's 10th consecutive home victory.

Powell had 19 points and eight rebounds and Kara Lawson added 14 points as the Monarchs won their home opener.

Penicheiro scored 14 points for Sacramento (3-2), which hung tough through a close fourth quarter despite losing leading-scorer DeMya Walker in the opening minutes of the game with a right knee injury.

Spencer recorded a career-high 22 points and grabbed five rebounds.