NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The Western Conference-leading Sacramento Monarchs hope to bounce back from a tough loss when they visit the New York Liberty on Thursday.

The Monarchs have lost two of their last three games - both against league-best Connecticut - including a 70-66 loss at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday. DeMya Walker collected 16 points, a season-high 12 rebounds and six assists in the defeat.

The Liberty had their three-game winning streak halted Saturday in a 67-61 loss at Charlotte. Rookie Shameka Christon scored a season-high 19 points off the bench and Ann Wauters scored 16 points in the loss to the league-worst Sting.

Winners of four straight home games, the Liberty have won their last three games against Sacramento at Madison Square Garden dating to 2001.

Playing for the first time this season, the Liberty and Monarchs have split their two-game season series each of the past two campaigns.