Coming up in a few hours: the 2003 champs face the 2004 champs on national broadcast TV. LJ, who sprained her ankle on Tuesday, will play. As for both games last night:

1. The Sting managed a first-half tie in Connecticut; Sun fans, undefeated at home, turned deathly silent at halftime. Led by Nykesha Sales (21 points) the Sun took over the second half with a 19-4 run and won by ten.

"We were fortunate to survive," said coach Thibault. Lindsay Whalen was even more negative. Carey and Summerton, usually at the end of the Sun bench, got significant minutes: Thibault says they "earned the right to play." Dawn Staley had 15 points and 7 assists, but the Sting's starters played virtually the whole game: no wonder they ran out of gas.

2. The Sacramento Monarchs have lost DeMya Walker for at least a few weeks with her third knee sprain this year. The MRI reveals no ligament damage, but coach Whisenant says he "doubts she'll be back" before the playoffs.

Without Walker, the Monarchs couldn't keep up with New York. Dependent as usual on three-balls, the Liberty shot 8-15 from downtown, with Hammon alone shooting 6-13 (3-6 for three). Yo Griffith (18 points) says New York "hit every shot they could possibly make"; Whisenant calls it "our worst game by far."

For this away game, the New York Times runs just a box score. The Paper of Record has promised real reporting on Liberty games once the Lib come home.