MINNEAPOLIS, July 8 (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Monarchs were hoping to avoid a winless three-game road trip. Katie Smith did them no favors.

NBA TV highlights from Monarchs-Lynx: 56k | 300k

Smith scored 15 of her 26 points in the second half as the Minnesota Lynx pulled away for a 77-59 victory over the Monarchs.

Sheri Sam added 16 points and Tamika Williams 15 for the Lynx, who had lost back-to-back games.

Minnesota never trailed but held just a 35-30 lead at the break. But Smith's three-pointer with 14 minutes remaining gave the Lynx a 51-36 advantage, and they never were threatened thereafter.

Yolanda Griffith collected 17 points and 16 rebounds, Tangela Smith added 14 points and Ticha Penicheiro 12 for the Monarchs, who shot just 39 percent (22-of-56) as they lost to the Lynx for the second time in three meetings this season.