Whitmore helps Sun hold off Liberty

May 31, 2008 - 4:47 AM By PA SportsTicker

UNCASVILLE, Connecticut - Tamika Whitmore scored 18 points and Asjha Jones added 16 and eight rebounds as the Connecticut Sun posted an 89-84 victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night.

Lindsay Whalen collected 15 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Sun, who set the tone for the game by outscoring the Liberty, 27-15, in the first quarter.

It has been a successful season thus far for Connecticut, which started 3-0 for the first time in franchise history before a 75-46 blowout loss to the Indiana Fever on Tuesday.

Rookie Essence Carson scored 15 points off the bench for New York, which shot just 7-of-20 from the arc.

In other games Friday:

SEATTLE 78, SAN ANTONIO 57: At Seattle, Lauren Jackson scored 16 of her 28 points in the first quarter as the Storm blitzed the Silver Stars, 22-7, in the opening period and never looked back.

Sophia Young and Ann Wauters each scored 14 points for the San Antonio, which shot a putrid 28 percent (16-of-58) from the field.

SACRAMENTO 73, HOUSTON 66: At Sacramento, Nicole Powell scored 16 points as four starters scored in double figures for the Monarchs, who won despite shooting 24-of-38 from the free-throw line.

Matee Ajavon and Tina Thompson each netted 14 points for the Comets, who received 27 points from their bench.