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Powell lifts Monarchs past Silver Stars in Game One

Aug 24, 2007 - 4:28 AM SACRAMENTO, California (Ticker) -- Nicole Powell scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds as the Sacramento Monarchs posted an 86-65 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars in Game One of the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday.

Powell shot 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, just one shy of the WNBA playoff record for free throws made without a miss achieved by four different players.

Powell, who made over 96 percent (80-of-83) from the line in the regular season, has hit 33 consecutive free throws and has not missed one at home since June 23.

The Stanford alum set a franchise record for free-throw percentage with the second-highest total in league history, trailing just Eva Nemcova's mark (.984, 62-of-63) set in 1999.

The third-seeded Monarchs also received 17 points from Rebekkah Brunson, while reserve Kara Lawson added 16.

Ticha Penicheiro and Yolanda Griffith each scored 10 points for Sacramento, which shot 40 percent (27-of-67) and will have to travel to San Antonio for Game Two. Penicheiro dished out seven assists and made four steals and Griffith hauled in nine rebounds.

The Silver Stars were led by Sophia Young, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight boards.

Becky Hammon scored 16 points and Helen Darling added 11 and five assists for San Antonio, which shot just 36 percent (22-of-61).