NEW YORK (AP) – Tina Charles had 28 points and 17 rebounds to help New York beat Connecticut 96-80 on Wednesday.
Charles scored 10 points in the third quarter, showing off a dazzling array of moves in the post as the Liberty (10-9) turned a four-point halftime lead into a 20-point advantage. It was her ninth double-double of the season and the second consecutive double-digit win for New York.
Connecticut (12-9) had won six of its last seven games before Wednesday’s matinee game. Jonquel Jones had 14 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Sun.
Energized by a huge camp day crowd of 17,443 at Madison Square Garden, both teams came out strong on offense. The game was tied at 24 after one quarter and the Liberty led 45-41 at the half.
Charles had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the opening 20 minutes. The Liberty’s Shavonte Zellous also had 12 points at the half and finished with 16. She went 11 for 11 at the line.