Shock picks up first win

MINNEAPOLIS - It took a little over a week, but the Tulsa Shock broke into the win column Sunday night as they defeated the Minnesota Lynx 94-82 before a crowd of 6,822 at the Target Center.     Plenette Pierson and Shavonte Zellous scored 14 points each as they led a balanced offensive attack of five double-digit scorers for the Shock. Chante Black had 10 points while adding an impressive 17 rebounds.

Tulsa (1-2) jumped out to a 30-23 lead after the opening quarter and did not look back, as they would not surrender the lead the rest of the way. Charde Houston led the Lynx with 23 points, but it would not be enough to overcome a Shock defense that held the Lynx (1-3) to a season-low .324 shooting percentage.

Coach Nolan Richardson's '40 minutes of hell' style of play seems to be catching on with the players, as Tulsa scored an incredible 30 points on the fast break while out-scoring Minnesota 48-30 in the paint. Tulsa's defensive pressure also created a season-high 23 turnovers by Minnesota.

The Shock took a 17 point lead into the final quarter before the Lynx pulled within seven. However, the Shock would pull away for good after scoring six straight points. Tulsa shot nearly 42 percent from the field on the night, while they struggled hitting just four of 15 three-point attempts.

The Shock return home to the BOK Center for a big test on Tuesday night. The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury come to town for a 6 p.m. game that will be televised nationally on ESPN2. The Mercury has averaged 83.5 points through two games and currently holds a record of 1-1.

Tickets for all remaining home games can be purchased at the BOK Center box office, online or by calling 1-877-90-HOOPS.

          1

            2

           3

          4

          F

Tulsa (1-2)

          30

          22

          20

          22

          94

Minnesota (1-3)

          23

          15

          17

          27

          82

Tulsa -  Pierson 14, Zellous 14, Robinson 12, Holt 12, Black 10, Hornbuckle 8, Lacy 8, Braxton 7, Crossley 5, Thompson 4.

Minnesota -  Houston 23, Whalen 16, Anosike 15, Wright 11, Maiga-Ba 6, McCants 6, Martinez 3, Marginean 2

Officials: Sue Blauch, Jeff Smith, James Williams. Time of game: 2:07. Attendance: 6,822.