Tolliver scores 21 points, Sparks pull away from Stars 70-61

SAN ANTONIO -- Kristi Tolliver scored 21 points and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the San Antonio Stars 70-61 on Thursday night.

Los Angeles (22-5), ranked second in the AP Power Poll, was coming off back-to-back losses. They drew even in the Western Conference with the top-ranked Minnesota Lynx, who host Washington on Friday night.

The teams were tied at 51 after three quarters. Early in the fourth, Candace Parker made a layup, was fouled, and completed the three-point play. Moments later, Parker drilled a 3-pointer to put L.A. up 59-57 with 5:29 left. Back-to-back baskets by Tolliver and Jantel Lavender gave the Sparks a six-point cushion, and Lavender's jumper with 3:06 to go made it an eight-point game.

Parker finished with 16 points. Nneka Ogwumike had 13 points and nine rebounds, and Lavender added 12 points.

Last-place and 12th-ranked San Antonio fell to 6-21. Jayne Appel-Marinelli led the Stars with 12 points.