SEATTLE, July 3 (Ticker) -- An Aussie assault from Lauren Jackson and Suzy Batkovic helped the Seattle Storm end their four-game losing streak.

Jackson and Batkovic fueled a big first half and had just enough down the stretch as the Storm held off the Sacramento Monarchs, 74-67.

The Australian duo combined for 45 points. Jackson scored a season-high 31 on 10-of-18 shooting and grabbed 13 rebounds and Batkovic added 14 on 5-of-8 from the field.

Earlier this week, Jackson, the 2003 WNBA MVP, was briefly benched by coach Anne Donovan in favor of Batkovic, who has become a prominent part of the offense.

In the first half, Jackson scored 17 points and Batkovic added nine as Seattle shot a sizzling 59 percent (16-of-27) and bolted to a 48-30 lead.

The Storm went cold after halftime, making just four of their first 23 shots as the Monarchs closed to 63-61 on two free throws by Ticha Penicheiro with 3:42 to play. However, Jackson and Batkovic combined for Seattle's next nine points.

Jackson had a tip-in and Batkovic made a pair of shots around a basket by Sacramento's Nicole Powell. Jackson made a lane jumper off an inbounds pass and Batkovic sank a clinching free throw for a 72-67 lead with 13 seconds remaining.

Iziane Castro Marques scored nine points and Sue Bird handed out eight assists for the Storm, who returned home after an 0-4 road trip.

DeMya Walker scored 14 points and Penicheiro added 12 for the Monarchs, who completed a 3-2 road trip.