CHICAGO, July 7 (Ticker) -- The Chicago Sky finally found someone they can beat other than the Charlotte Sting.

Rookie Candice Dupree scored 12 of her 20 points in the first half and the Sky withstood a late charge for a 78-73 victory over the struggling New York Liberty.

NBA TV highlights from Liberty-Sky: Play

After edging the Sting in their inaugural game, the expansion Sky lost 14 of their next 15 contests. Their lone win during the stretch also came against Charlotte, a 75-69 triumph on June 29.

Chicago never trailed, grabbing a 23-19 lead after one period. After New York closed within a point, Chicago used a 12-4 run to expand the advantage to 35-26 with 5:18 to go in the second period.

The Liberty pulled into a 52-52 tie on Becky Hammon's basket with 29 seconds left in the third period. But Stacey Lovelace-Tolbert hit a short jumper with seven seconds remaining, giving the Sky the lead for good.

Dupree had two free throws and a layup before a pair of foul shots by Jia Perkins widened the margin to 66-56 with 4:22 remaining. A free throw by Hammon cut the deficit to 66-62 with 3:29 to play, but the Liberty got no closer.

Deanna Jackson scored 13 points for Chicago, which improved to 2-7 at home.

Hammon had 18 points and four assists and Cathrine Kraayeveld scored 14 points for the Liberty, who shot 40 percent (26-of-65) from the field in losing their fourth straight game.