Sun holds off Fever to post victory

Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 24 points as the Connecticut Sun beat the Indiana Fever 73-68 Thursday night to open the WNBA's Eastern Conference finals.

Katie Douglas hit an off-balance bank shot from 23 feet away as the shot clock expired with 30 seconds remaining to give the Sun a six-point lead. Connecticut will host the final two games of the series beginning Saturday.

Connecticut gained possession when Fever guard Tully Bevilaqua was called for traveling as she attempted to inbound the ball with 61 seconds left and the Sun leading 65-62.

After Douglas' 3-pointer, Fever forward Tamika Catchings missed a baseline drive with 22 seconds to go. Nykesha Sales rebounded, was fouled and sank both free throws for a 70-62 lead with 21 seconds to play.

MONARCHS 73, COMETS 69 (OT): At Houston, Yolanda Griffith scored 14 points and Kara Lawson added 12 to lead Sacramento to an overtime victory over the Houston in the opening game of the WNBA's Western Conference finals.

Nicole Powell forced overtime by hitting a desperation 3-pointer with 4 seconds left in the regulation. The Monarchs scored the first six points in overtime.