The Sacramento Monarchs get another chance to clinch their fifth consecutive playoff berth and grab a share of first place in the Western Conference on Tuesday night when they visit the surging Connecticut Sun - another team on the verge securing of a postseason spot.

Sacramento (16-11), which won the WNBA title two years ago and lost to Detroit in the finals last season, can earn a return trip to the playoffs with a victory over Connecticut (16-12). A win for the Monarchs could also pull them into a tie for the top spot in the conference if San Antonio and Phoenix lose Tuesday.

Sacramento failed to accomplish both goals Sunday, losing 63-55 to Indiana to open a four-game road trip. The Monarchs shot a woeful 30 percent from the field, and leading scorer Nicole Powell was 1-for-14 from the floor and missed all five of her 3-point attempts.

Powell, who averages 13.0 points per game, finished with four as Sacramento fell to 4-5 since opening the season 12-6.

"With this team, there is just not a feel of any urgency," said Monarchs forward-center Yolanda Griffith, who had a team-high 11 points and nine rebounds. "A positive is we can play this defense, but we have to play it throughout the entire game."

Now, the Monarchs look to bounce back even the season series with the Sun after losing to them 82-78 in overtime July 12. Powell and Adrian Williams each scored 15 points in that game for Sacramento, which has only beaten Connecticut once in the last five meetings and is 1-3 all-time at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The Sun, meanwhile, can also make the playoffs Tuesday for a fifth consecutive year. A Connecticut win, combined with losses by the Sky and Liberty, would put the Sun in the postseason.

The Sun, in third place in the East, extended their winning streak to four games with an 84-59 rout of Indiana on Saturday. They are 10-1 since a 6-11 start to 2007, with the lone loss during the current stretch being 92-88 to Detroit, owner of the best record in the WNBA.

"I've spent more time, and I think our players have, just about playing well and getting better each game," coach Mike Thibault said. "I think that's the one thing over this stretch is that we've played better every game."

Katie Douglas had 19 points Saturday and is averaging 19.8 points in the last 10 victories, improving her team-leading season average to 17.9. She struggled in the last matchup with Sacramento, though, going 4-for-12 for 14 points.