Sparks 79, Starzz 67
Game 16: Tuesday at Delta Center
Los Angeles 36 43 — 79
Utah 39 28 — 67
First half: Utah shot 63 percent from the field, led by Margo Dydek's 5-for-6 and a career-best 3-for-3 on 3-pointers from the top of the key. Marie Ferdinand was 3-for-4 and Natalie Williams 3-for-5. The Starzz led by seven, 11-4, fell behind 17-11, then led 27-24 on Dydek's third bomb. The half was tied seven times and saw six lead changes.
Second half: Utah was 4-0 when leading at the half, but the Sparks outscored the Starzz by 15 in the second half. L.A.'s key was transition baskets as its zone defense had Utah misfiring on shots and passes. Mwadi Mabika scored 17 second-half points for L.A.
Records: Starzz 7-9; Sparks 15-3
Next up: Starzz at Sacramento, 8 p.m. Thursday, ARCO Arena
Quotable: "I don't think we let down at all. We were frustrated and confused in our zone offense, and that's something we definitely need to work on. We just were not prepared for their massive zone." — Starzz forward Natalie Williams.