ASSOCIATED PRESS

ASSOCIATED PRESS
UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Ruth Riley was more than the Connecticut Sun could handle, even with Swin Cash and Deanna Nolan on the Detroit Shock's bench.
The 6-foot-5 Riley had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the Shock to a 73-63 win Friday night over the Connecticut Sun in the first game of the best-of-three WNBA Eastern Conference finals.
"It was great to be able to be more aggressive offensively, especially when the team needs you," Riley said. "It's not too often you're going to see Deanna and Swin not out there on the court."
In the postseason, Cash had been averaging 19 points and Nolan 16. Nolan also was flagged for two quick fouls and was sidelined for a while, but not before she hit a pair of 3-pointers early in the first half.
Cash scored 10 of her 15 points in the second half. The Shock has won all five meetings this season.
Nykesha Sales led Connecticut with 22 points, including the Sun's first eight in the second half.
Both teams are making their second postseason appearance and first in the conference finals.
"People said we were a young team and didn't have experience in the playoffs," Riley said. "I think this is a great boost for us."
The Shock pulled away with a 12-0 run midway through the first half. Kedra Holland-Corn hit two 3-pointers in the spurt. Riley, who drew double teams all game, had four points, an assist and two rebounds in that same run.
"It was pretty physical. They have to double-down because they're not as tall in the post," Riley said. "I think I know by now where my shooters are going to be."
Detroit led by as much as 15 and took a 44-31 lead at the break.
Monarchs 77, Sparks 69
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Yolanda Griffith scored 17 points to lead the Sacramento Monarchs to a 77-69 win Friday night over the Los Angeles Sparks in the opening round of the WNBA's Western Conference finals.
The Monarchs squandered a sizable lead, briefly lost it in the second half, then played steady down the stretch to hold off the two-time defending champions.
The best-of-three series returns to Los Angeles, where Game 2 will be played Sunday followed by a third game Monday, if necessary.
Trailing 62-60 with 6:39 remaining, Ticha Penicheiro made a 3-pointer and followed with another basket, igniting a 7-0 run to give Sacramento the lead for good.
Penicheiro, the star of Sacramento's series-winning victory earlier in the week against Houston, had 16 points and five assists. Tangela Smith had 14 points and 10 rebounds, while DeMya Walker added 11 points.
Lisa Leslie was dominant at times for Los Angeles. She had 25 points, seven rebounds and four blocks. DeLisha Milton had 20 points and seven rebounds.