Lynx crush Stars with 25-9 3rd quarter

The San Antonio Stars took the initial lead over the Minnesota Lynx after scoring five straight points in the first minutes of the game, but the second half play sealed the losing Stars' fate.

Minnesota (19-8) defeated San Antonio (7-20), 78-61, which resulted from a third quarter explosion by the Lynx.

Both teams seesawed back and forth in the first quarter, and the Stars led for the majority of the second quarter. San Antonio outscored the Lynx after three minutes of play in the second quarter, and they were able to score 11 points off eight Minnesota turnovers.

Despite the Lynx weak first half offense, Lindsey Whalen never let the Stars gain too large of a lead. Whalen knocked down a pair of free throws twice in the second quarter and San Antonio led by only one point at the end of the first half.

Third quarter play seemed to be the demise of San Antonio. Minnesota outscored the Stars in the third quarter, 25-9. San Antonio had three turnovers within the first four minutes of the second half that helped the Lynx gain their largest lead and run away with the game. Minnesota scored 16 straight points to cap off the third quarter with a score of 62-47.

The Stars shot 34 percent from the floor and hit only 24 of 71. Every San Antonio player off the bench scored tonight and guard Kayla McBride led the Stars with 13 points. Minnesota shot 40 percent from the floor, and Maya Moore led with 18 points. Whalen followed with 12 points.

With the victory, Minnesota records their ninth road win of this season.

Both teams take the court again Sunday night to face off against Western Conference teams. The Stars will stay in San Antonio to play the Los Angeles Sparks and the Lynx travel to Arizona for a matchup against the Phoenix Mercury.