[0] SPARKS WIN THIRD STRAIGHT; LESLIE'S 23 HELPS BEAT UTAH : SPARKS 91, UTAH 69.

Byline: Kristen Davis Daily News Staff Writer

Lisa Leslie turned in another fine performance but had a stellar supporting cast.

Leslie scored a game-high 23 points and nearly recorded the WNBA's first triple-double with 11 rebounds and seven assists leading the Sparks to a 91-69 victory over the Utah Starzz at the Forum.

Tamecka Dixon and Penny Toler each added 17 points.

Director Penny Marshall even left her courtside seat during the last few minutes when the Sparks held nearly a 20-point lead to buy herself a Penny Toler jersey. She proudly displayed the purchase as she enjoyed the final minutes of the Sparks' third straight victory in front of an announced 7,231.

The Sparks (8-10) were ahead by two midway through the first half but picked up their intensity, going on a 16-4 run during the last five minutes. The Sparks went into the locker room at the half with a 43-29 advantage, the first commanding lead of the game. Tammi Reiss led the Starzz (4-13) with 15 points.

Dixon has helped carry the team lately. She scored a season-best 20 points in Sacramento and 13 in the win at Phoenix. Dixon and forward Katrina Colleton's speed have enabled the team to run off with those three consecutive victories.

``She runs the floor well and puts a lot of pressure because she's so fast,'' coach Julie Rousseau said of Colleton.

The Sparks had won two straight going into Wednesday's game. Rousseau credited the refining of fundamentals to their recent success.

``Spacing and defensive pressure have just been opening up things for us and are allowing us to challenge a spot for first place,'' she said.

The Phoenix Mercury (8-7) continue to hold the best record in the Western Conference, although it has faltered as of late. Cheryl Miller's team increased its losing streak to four after dropping a decision to Charlotte. The Sparks are taking advantage of the Mercury's struggles although Rousseau insists they are not focusing on what happens with the Mercury.

``All we can do is control and take care of our games,'' she said.The Sparks are just 1-1/2 games out of first place and are also making a run for the league's fourth and final playoff spot.

The Sparks are well aware of the importance of this three-game homestand. Two more wins would pull them to .500. More importantly, it would give them confidence as they begin a four-game road trip featuring games against the New York Liberty and Houston Comets, the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

``They know where they've been and like the feeling of winning,'' she said.

They had not enjoyed a winning streak since late June when they defeated Charlotte and Sacramento at the Forum.

During a game on their road trip earlier this week which saw the Sparks go 2-0, assistant coach Orlando Woolridge told the antsy Rousseau to sit back and enjoy the game. Rousseau rarely occupies the seat reserved for her along the bench during games. She did what Woolridge said and described what she saw as, ``(A) symphony of music just eloquently playing.''

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Photo

Photo: Lisa Leslie attempts a layup as the Sparksgot another combined effort to beat Utah.

Gus Ruelas / Daily News