Connecticut 72, Sacramento 56

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 20 (AP) -- Asjha Jones had 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots to lead the Connecticut Sun to a 72-56 victory over the Sacramento Monarchs on Friday night.

Lindsay Whalen added nine points, six rebounds and five assists for the Sun (10-3), who completed a five-game road trip with a 3-2 record.

Rebekkah Brunson had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Monarchs (5-6), who have lost their last three home games. The Monarchs shot 34.4 percent (22-for-64) from the field.

"I think it was our defense that got our offense going,'' Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. "We also did a good job of taking care of the ball and not giving them second chances.''

Barbara Turner had 12 points, including two 3-pointers, to give Connecticut a 22-17 lead in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Monarchs couldn't stop the Sun from scoring inside or out.

With two defenders in her face, Jolene Anderson made a 3-pointer followed by a layup by Sandrine Gruda to put Connecticut up 34-23 with 6:33 left in the second quarter. The Sun had a 13-point lead before ending the half up 42-33.

Monarchs guard Ticha Penicheiro's basket cut the Sun's lead 42-35 at the 8:48 mark of the third quarter, but Connecticut held on to close the period with a 56-45 lead.

Connecticut shot 49 percent (27-for-55) from the field, including going 9-for-18 from 3-point range. The Sun were 9-for-10 from the free throw line.