Whalen scores 21, including tiebreaking FTs with 34 seconds left to lead Sun past Lynx, 98-94

Whalen’s late free throws lead Sun past Lynx

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Lindsay Whalen made two free throws with 34 seconds left to give Connecticut the lead for good and the Sun beat the Minnesota Lynx 98-94 on Saturday night.

Whalen finished with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, Sandrine Gruda had 21 points and seven rebounds, and Tan White scored 15 points for the Sun (14-12). Anete Jekabsone had 13 points and Chante Black added 10 points and six rebounds.

White and Jekabsone made free throws in the final 22 seconds to seal the win.

Candice Wiggins and Tasha Humphrey scored 21 points each to lead the Lynx (11-15), who have lost five straight and eight of their last nine. Renee Montgomery had 18 points and Charde Houston scored 11.

Minnesota shot 61 percent (20 for 33) in the first half and trailed by eight early before using a 15-0 run to take a 10-point lead.

The Sun rallied to take a one-point lead at 37-36, but Minnesota closed the half on an 18-8 run.

Humphrey eclipsed her season high of 17 points with 18 in the first half, leading the Lynx to a 54-44 lead at halftime.