San Antonio at Seattle

The Stormers Defeated Silver Stars at key Arena as the Wright pumps in 17

By scoring 73 for 55.

Willingham, who had seven points in a reserve role, helped Seattle (8-7) match up better with San Antonio's bench. Last week, the Silver Stars' reserves outscored the Storm's 47-13 in a three-point San Antonio win. Thursday night, the bench scoring was even, 23-23.

Storm coach Brian Agler got his team motivated after its recent 0-3 trip, when Seattle gave three opponents an average of 21.3 points off turnovers and was flattened inside.

.The first quarter ended with the Storm making six of seven free throws to build a 19-14 lead. Seattle added to the lead, taking a 38-22 lead into halftime.

Willingham, who was scoreless in the team's previous two games, got six points off the bench in the second quarter. She was replaced in the starting lineup for a second consecutive game by center Ashley Robinson.

Wright said the Storm's starting five stressed the need for that same effort to begin the second half. Seattle whipped out a 17-8 run to open the third quarter and put the game out of reach.

Wright made a steal and dish to guard Sue Bird for a three-pointer and another steal that led to her own layin on the opening plays of the second half. Wright finished with 11 points and three steals in the third quarter.

Bird, Swin Cash and the coaching staff departed Thursday on a red-eye flight to participate in the All-Star Game Saturday in San Antonio. The team regroups in Phoenix on Sunday for the start of another three-game trip.