NEW YORK, July 6 (Ticker) -- The Sacramento Monarchs finally got some time off, and it paid dividends.

With three days of rest, the Monarchs used a big third quarter to pull away for a 79-58 victory over the New York Liberty.

The defending WNBA champions played nine games in 16 days, going 5-4 in a stretch that ended with Sunday's loss to Houston. They appeared rejuvenated Thursday, outscoring New York, 22-10, in the third quarter.

Sacramento held a 39-33 halftime lead and went on a 12-2 run to open the third quarter as Erin Buescher scored six of her 19 points. Buescher scored 10 points in the period, which ended with the Monarchs holding a 61-43 lead.

Buescher shot 8-of-10 from the floor and grabbed five rebounds.

Nicole Powell scored 16 points and Yolanda Griffith added 11 and nine rebounds for the Monarchs, who shot 48 percent (31-of-64).

Shameka Christon and Sherill Baker each scored 11 points for the Liberty, who shot 36 percent (20-of-55), including 4-of-17 from 3-point range.