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Lynx-Liberty Preview

Aug 23, 2009 - 3:45 AM By JEFF MEZYDLO STATS Senior Writer

Minnesota (11-14) at New York (10-16), 4:00 p.m. EDT

As badly as the Minnesota Lynx have played of late, they're still in the mix for a playoff spot in the weak Western Conference.

The struggling Lynx look to avoid a sixth straight loss while trying for their first win at New York in four years when they face the last-place Liberty on Sunday.

Despite shooting 61 percent in the first half, Minnesota (11-15) couldn't hold a 10-point first-half lead and fell 98-94 at Connecticut on Saturday to extend its season-high losing streak to five games.

Though the Lynx have lost eight of nine overall and are 0-3 on a four-game road swing, they're tied with San Antonio for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West.

Minnesota, which hasn't lost six straight since dropping 10 in a row July 1-25, 2007, is 1 1/2 games behind surging Los Angeles for the third spot in a conference where only two teams - Phoenix and Seattle - have winning records.

Candice Wiggins and Tasha Humphrey each scored 21 points Saturday for the Lynx, who lost their fourth straight on the road as well as overall.

"Just a few things happened towards the end that went their way and I thought that was what determined the game," Minnesota coach Jennifer Gillom said. "I was hoping this would be a stepping stone towards a turn around, but we just didn't quite get there."

Minnesota's struggles away from home won't make Sunday's visit to Madison Square Garden any easier. The Liberty (10-16) are at the bottom of the East standings, but the Lynx have lost their last three trips to New York since winning 64-60 there July 15, 2005.

The Lynx did win the last overall meeting between the clubs, 69-57 at home June 23 behind 25 points from Wiggins. The 2008 WNBA sixth woman of the year is averaging 13.4 points in her second season, and 22.0 in three career games against the Liberty.

Forward Shameka Christon had 25 points and went 6 for 10 from 3-point range against Minnesota earlier this season, but New York shot 35.1 percent as a team and committed a season-high 20 turnovers in the loss.

Christon scored 23 points and Janel McCarville added 22 and a career-high 13 rebounds in New York's 85-83 overtime win over Connecticut on Friday.

Still in the mix for a playoff spot, the Liberty have alternated wins and losses in their last eight games.

"Every game we play is going to be a do-or-die type of game," said McCarville, who made a tiebreaking layup with 8.2 seconds left in overtime. "We need to treat it that way."

New York holds an 11-7 in the all-time series between the teams, who have split eight meetings at Madison Square Garden.