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Sun-Liberty Preview

Sep 8, 2015 - 5:59 PM Having clinched the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed for the first time in 13 years, the New York Liberty will chase another milestone Wednesday night.

The Liberty look to establish a single-season record for wins by extending their dominance over the eliminated Connecticut Sun.

New York (22-9) lost out on tiebreakers in its previous two challenges for the East's top seed in 2004 and 2010, but had more cushion to work with before clinching that with a 75-71 victory at West-leading Minnesota on Sunday.

"It was important for us to clinch the Eastern Conference home-court advantage," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "That was goal No. 1."

Tina Charles had 18 points and 14 rebounds in her team's fourth victory in five games, and helped it bounce back from an 82-60 home drubbing to Chicago on Thursday.

Charles will next try to push New York past the 2010 squad for its best record in franchise history. That team finished 22-12 and tied with Washington atop the East.

A matchup with Connecticut (14-18) could aid the Liberty. New York has won five straight in the series - including three this season - and the last three home meetings.

The Liberty won 80-66 in the most recent matchup Aug. 29 at Mohegan Sun Arena with Epiphanny Prince leading the way with 18 points.

Charles had 15 after scoring a combined 53 in the first two meetings. She had a season-high 31 points in a 90-78 victory at Connecticut on Aug. 14.

The Sun will miss the playoffs in three straight seasons for the first time but aren't going quietly, having gone 2-1 on a season-high four-game trip. They beat previously eliminated San Antonio 73-72 on Friday on Kelsey Bone's layup with 1.8 seconds left.

Bone, who finished with 17 points, is averaging 20.3 on 50.0 percent shooting in the last four games. She had 22 points on 10-of-18 shooting against New York on Aug. 29 and has totaled 39 in the past two meetings.

Connecticut has won back-to-back games just once since its 7-1 start, from Aug. 4-7.