SEATTLE, June 27 (Ticker) -- The Seattle Storm turned the tide on the Sacramento Monarchs.

Sue Bird scored 13 of her 18 points in the second half to lead the Storm to a 68-53 victory over the Monarchs.

NBA TV highlights from Monarchs-Storm: Play

Lauren Jackson contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds and Janell Burse scored 13 points for the Storm, who beat the Monarchs for the first time in three tries this season. The previous two contests were in Sacramento.

After a quiet first half, Bird came alive by making 5-of-7 shots. The fifth-year guard scored eight points in the fourth quarter to help the Storm keep their lead.

The Storm used a 13-6 run to end the second quarter to take a 30-28 edge. They reeled off a 12-3 advantage to close the third period en route to a 52-42 cushion.

Seattle shot 46 percent (26-of-57) and held a 33-28 rebounding advantage to overcome 17 turnovers.

Erin Buescher scored 12 points and Yolanda Griffith added 10 for Sacramento, which fell to 1-4 on the road. The Monarchs own a 6-3 mark at Arco Arena.