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Hammon, top-seeded Silver Stars down Monarchs

Sep 19, 2008 - 4:41 AM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- One year later, it was a different outcome in the opening game between the San Antonio Silver Stars and Sacramento Monarchs - and Becky Hammon had a lot to with it.

Hammon scored 30 points and nailed six 3-pointers as the Silver Stars held off the Monarchs, 85-78, in Game One of their Western Conference semifinal series Thursday night.

Sophia Young scored 17 points for San Antonio, which will host Game Two of the best-of-three series Saturday and, if necessary, the decisive third game Sunday. The Silver Stars posted a 15-2 mark at home this season.

It was the second straight season the two teams faced off in the opening round of the playoffs. The Monarchs routed the Silver Stars, 86-65, in Game One last season - only to have San Antonio win the final two games of the matchup on its home floor.

A 5-6 guard from Rapid City, South Dakota, Hammon caused a stir when she opted to play for Russia in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She made noise on the court Thursday, shooting 9-of-14 from the field, including 6-of-8 from the arc.

The Silver Stars (24-10), who won five straight down the stretch of the season, held off the Seattle Storm for the league's best record and took that momentum into Thursday's contest. San Antonio led 45-29 at halftime.

But Sacramento fought back in the second half, cutting its deficit to 82-78 with 22 seconds left on a 3-pointer by Kara Lawson. Vickie Johnson then made three throws to seal it for the Silver Stars.

Ticha Penicheiro had 19 points and seven assists for fourth-seeded Sacramento.