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Silver Stars-Lynx Preview

Aug 8, 2009 - 5:49 PM By MIKE LIPKA STATS Writer

San Antonio (9-11) at Minnesota (11-10), 6:00 p.m. EDT

The Minnesota Lynx hope their midseason stumble is over after a strong performance in their most recent game, but the last result wasn't quite so encouraging for the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Both teams need a victory Sunday in order to hold their ground in the Western Conference playoff race, and San Antonio hopes the outcome is the same as its previous visit to the Target Center this year.

The Lynx (11-10) had dropped three straight and five of six before Friday, when they used a season-high 24 points from rookie Renee Montgomery to earn a 95-88 win over Connecticut.

"I thought we had four good practices this week and I knew it would carry over into this game," coach Jen Gillom said. "The girls were very enthusiastic in practice. If we can contain this type of energy, wow, the sky's the limit."

Minnesota also saw a major turnaround from Nicky Anosike, who had 19 points and 12 rebounds after averaging 6.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in the previous three games. She helped the Lynx to a 45-27 edge on the boards as the young team - with four starters 23 or younger - showed renewed confidence.

"What you saw tonight is what you can expect from us the rest of the year," said forward Charde Houston, who had 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Lynx crumbled down the stretch last year, when they dropped five of their last seven games and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season. They're currently third in the West, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Silver Stars, and both teams are trying to hold off fifth-place Los Angeles.

San Antonio advanced to the WNBA finals last season, but the Silver Stars (9-11) haven't looked like reigning conference champions, already exceeding their loss total from 2008.

Their inconsistent play has cost them lately, as they've dropped three of four - including a 92-84 home loss to Atlanta on Thursday. All-stars Becky Hammon and Sophia Young combined for 49 points and 15 rebounds for the Silver Stars, but the team allowed 31 fourth-quarter points.

"Every time we tried to get a hold of the game, (Atlanta) got something done, especially in the basket area," San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said.

Hammon leads the league with 21.2 points per game and Young also ranks in the top 10 with 17.6, but the duo often hasn't been enough, especially on the road.

The Silver Stars are 3-7 away from home, although their most lopsided road win was a 77-61 victory in Minneapolis on July 10. The Lynx responded with an 83-76 win in San Antonio two days later even though Hammon and Young combined for 44 points.

"We try to contain Hammon. We try to contain Sophia Young, but just don't let the others get started," Gillom said.