TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Riquina Williams scored eight of her 22 points in the final 3:17 of regulation to help the Tulsa Shock overcome an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter en route to an 81-78 overtime victory over the Chicago Sky on Friday night.
Williams’ long jumper with 46.4 left in overtime sealed the game for the Shock (4-18).
“Coach Klop (Gary Kloppenburg) talked to me about being consistent and patient,” Williams said. “He told me not to settle for 3-pointers. He reminds me that not many can guard me and I have to use that to my advantage.”
Tulsa ended a five-game losing streak with its first victory since July 8.
“It feels good,” Kloppenburg said. “These guys really deserve it. They played so hard. It’s great that we finally got (the victory). We’ve had so many close games and to get over the hump is huge. Q (Williams) is kind of a streaking player but when she gets going like that, you have to leave her out there.”
Roneeka Hodges made two free throws with 9.3 seconds left in regulation to force the extra period. She added a 3-pointer in overtime and finished with a season-high 22 points.
“We’ve battled hard all year,” Hodges said. “We deserve this win tonight. Over my eight-year career, I’ve played a lot of different roles. I came into Tulsa after the trade just wanting to show who I am. Coming in here is a great opportunity.”
Jennifer Lacy added 15 points for the Shock, and rookie Glory Johnson finished with eight points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
Courtney Vandersloot led Chicago (8-14) with 23 points. Shay Murphy added 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Swin Cash and Epiphanny Prince finished with 11 apiece.
Chicago has lost nine in a row.
The Shock played turnover-free in the first and fourth quarters.
“That was the key,” Kloppenburg said. “We forced 21 turnovers and scored 28 points off it. Roneeka has been a great addition to our team. She’s settled in.”
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
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