Los Angeles defeated Sacramento, 71-57, setting up a pivotal Game Three on Tuesday night.

This was an incredibly exciting game of runs. Los Angeles led 41-30 at the half, before Sacramento cut the lead to one, at 53-52. But Mwadi Mabika hit three three-point baskets after that and rookie Christi Thomas came up with timely buckets down the stretch to seal the victory.

Mabika finished with 22 points, while Tamecka Dixon added 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Lisa Leslie had 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Thomas contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds.

In a reversal from the first game, Sacramento shot 27 percent from the floor. Yolanda Griffith had 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Tangela Smith had 15 points and 8 rebounds

For Sacramento, the loss is incredibly difficult. The Monarchs had momentum, cutting the lead to one, with Leslie, Thomas, and Dixon each having five fouls. But the Monarchs were unable to defend Mabika down the stretch, squandering an incredible oppotunity to end the series in two games.