There was some optimism in Connecticut yesterday as Whalen dropped her crutches and bounced around the court. "She's improved immensely," said trainer Georgia Fischer. But it's still unlikely that she'll play tonight.

The media glare, such as it is, focused on backup guard Jennifer Derevjanik. “It's different,” Derevjanik said. “I'm not used to it.”

The Monarchs gave some advice on what to do when your star point guard goes out with an injury. “We've found ways," Ticha Penicheiro said. "Somebody else steps up. That's our story. We have 11 players and we all contribute somehow to this team.” Of course, Derevjanik and Jamie Carey probably aren't quite as formidable as Kara Lawson and Krisin Haynie.

8 PM eastern ESPN2.