Kristi Toliver's 19 points, nine rebounds lift Sparks over Sun

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Kristi Tolliver scored 19 points, including two key jumpers down the stretch, and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Los Angeles Sparks past the Connecticut Sun 74-72 on Tuesday night.

Nneka Ogwumike had 15 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles (14-7) and Jantel Lavender added 14 points. The Sparks' Candace Parker missed her third straight game due to a right wrist injury.

Tina Charles had 25 points and 13 rebounds for the Sun (6-13) and Allison Hightower added 12 points, four assists and three steals.

Los Angeles led 49-36 early in the third quarter, but Connecticut pulled within a point twice in the final two minutes. Both times, Tolliver made a difficult jumper on the other end to help the Sparks maintain their edge.