Shock even series with Monarchs

Nolan shot 8-of-20 from the floor while Katie Smith added 16 points for the Shock, who rebounded nicely after being convincingly beaten 95-71 in the series opener. Swin Cash added 11 points in the win.

The series now shifts to Sacramento and the Arco Arena for Game 3 on Sunday.

Yolanda Griffith finished with 14 points for the Monarchs, but just two of those came in the second half as Sacramento lost for the first time in six playoff games this season.

Kara Lawson and Kristin Haynie each added 11 points in defeat.

Trailing for most of the game, Detroit got to within 54-48 before the end of the third quarter and then opened up the fourth with eight straight points as Nolan’s jumper put the Shock ahead 56-54.

After a pair of free throws by DeMya Walker tied the contest at 56-56, the Shock exploded with six straight points to grab their largest lead of the series.

The Shock held a nine-point lead at 67-58 when Smith nailed a big three- pointer with 2:57 to go and Nolan then hit a jumper to give Detroit an 11- point edge that Sacramento could not overcome.

In all, Detroit outscored Sacramento 25-9 in a pivotal fourth frame.

It looked like it would be the Monarchs game again as Sacramento set the pace early, outscoring Detroit 26-19 in the first quarter. That lead swelled to 39-29 late in the second frame as Nicole Powell converted a layup and free throw with 2:53 left before halftime.

The Monarchs carried a 42-33 edge into the break.

The Shock opened up the third frame with an 8-2 run to get within 44-41 and stayed within three points until Haynie converted a reverse layup and three- pointer in succession to give Sacramento a 51-43 lead.