UNCASVILLE, Conn., Sept. 12 (Ticker) -- Katie Douglas scored 21 points as the first-place Connecticut Sun moved above .500 with a 71-64 victory over the Seattle Storm.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Nykesha Sales scored 10 points for the Sun (16-15), who are above .500 for the first time since July 29. They have won three straight games to move to the top of the jumbled Eastern Conference.

A layup by McWilliams-Franklin gave Connecticut its largest lead of the first half at 29-19 with 4:36 to play. Seattle closed to 32-28 at intermission and got within three points twice in the second half, but Douglas answered with jump shots each time.

The Sun split the season series with the Storm (18-13), who were denied clinching a playoff berth with their fifth loss in six games since returning from the Olympic break.

WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson, perhaps fatigued after leading Australia to a silver medal at the Olympics, led the Storm in scoring for the first time since her return with 24 points.

Jackson was the only player in double figures for Seattle. Former UConn star Sue Bird had nine points and seven assists.

Before the game, the WNBA announced that the 2005 All-Star Game will be held at the Mohegan Sun Arena.