Final
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).
- WNBA
CHICAGO 82
MINNESOTA 77 FINAL
May 25 10:06 PM - WNBA
CHICAGO 65
MINNESOTA 51 END, 3RD QTR
May 25 9:31 PM - WNBA
CHICAGO 35
MINNESOTA 31 HALFTIME
May 25 8:53 PM - WNBA
CHICAGO 19
MINNESOTA 15 END, 1ST QTR
May 25 8:28 PM
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