SPARKS GET A `D' FOR DEFENSE TWO 18-4 SURGES CARRY CONNECTICUT TO EASY WIN CONNECTICUT 90, SPARKS 70.

Byline: Earl Williams Staff Writer

Sparks coach Henry Bibby graded his team at ``D'' for its defensive work the first 11 games this season. In his team's loss Monday night against the Connecticut Sun, there was nothing to suggest his evaluation was wrong.

The Sun has buried opponents with huge surges and transition baskets, and demonstrated how in a 90-70 romp that snapped the Sparks' three-game winning streak in front of 7,246 at Staples Center.

Chamique Holdsclaw tried to keep the Sparks (6-5) close with 23 points and six rebounds, but to little avail. Connecticut (8-1) drove through the Sparks like they were an open highway, using two 18-4 sprees in running to a 47-27 halftime lead.

Nykesha Sales led the Sun with a season-high 26 points. Katie Douglas added 18, Lindsay Whalen 16 and Taj McWilliams-Franklin 12.

Lisa Leslie chipped in 13 points and four rebounds for the Sparks, and Nikki Teasley added nine points and five assists.

``We're still a long way away,'' Bibby said. ``We are still giving up easy baskets. Right now, I would say we are a D-plus on defense. We are not where I would like us to be. We give up too many easy baskets.''

Connecticut used their first 18-4 surge to take a 22-10 lead with 10:14 left in the first half. McWilliams-Franklin led the burst with six points as the Sun made 9 of 12 shots.

Associated Press contributed.

Earl Williams, [phone]

earl.williams(at)presstelegram.com

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Photo:

Connecticut's Lindsay Whalen, left, takes a tumble as the Sparks' Lisa Leslie defends.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer