Los Angeles ? The Los Angeles Sparks’ hopes for an undefeated season were almost dashed in their first game.

But Lisa Leslie, scoreless for nearly 27 minutes, made five of her first six second-half shots and finished with 14 points to rally the Sparks to a 72-64 victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday in the WNBA season opener.

“In the second half, Lisa took over,” said Sparks coach Michael Cooper, whose team struggled in the first half and trailed 31-30. “In the second half, she was determined no matter who they had out there, she was going to get her shots.”

Leslie, who took advantage of Tari Phillips’ foul trouble, also had 14 rebounds, seven blocked shots and five assists to lead the defending champions.

“Every time I got the ball, they sent the other post at me and the guards were dropping down on me,” she said. “We knew that the team had to step up and knock down their shots. I had to try and find the open players.”

Often doubled-team in the first half, Leslie missed all four shots she attempted and did not take a free throw as the Liberty took a 31-30 lead.

The Sparks went ahead for good when Mwadi Mabika made three of four free throws and a layup during a 6-0 run, putting them ahead 38-34.

Starzz 79, Lynx 75, OT

Minneapolis Adrienne Goodson scored 20 points, including the go-ahead basket in overtime, as Utah beat Minnesota. Margo Dydek and Jennifer Azzi each had 14 points, and Ferdinand had 12 for Utah, which overcame poor shooting from leading scorer Natalie Williams.