Uncasville, Conn. ? Minnesota’s inside-outside combination of Katie Smith and Nicole Ohlde was more than the Connecticut Sun could handle.

Smith scored 27 points and sank six three-pointers, and Ohlde, a 6-foot-5 rookie center, had a career-high five blocks, helping the Lynx win, 68-52, Thursday night.

It was the Lynx’ sixth straight win.

“We need to stay hungry and execute,” Smith said. “It’s tough in this league. We could easily lose five in a row.”

It wasn’t likely on this night. The Lynx opened an 18-point lead in the second half, and the Sun never threatened.

The Sun shot a season-low 32 percent, with only Wendy Palmer reaching double figures with 10 points. The Sun’s scoring leader, Nykesha Sales, was held to a season-low four points — 11 below her average.

Ohlde, Minnesota’s first-round draft pick out of Kansas State, is the league’s rookie leader in blocks and rebounds. She finished with seven rebounds and anchored a dominating post for Minnesota. Tamika Williams led the Lynx with 10 rebounds.

“It gives you a good feeling knowing they can handle things on their own in the middle and you don’t have to come down and help with the double-team,” Smith said.

Storm 59, Fever 54

Seattle — Lauren Jackson scored 25 points, and Betty Lennox hit a jumper in the final seconds to lead Seattle.

After Kelly Miller hit a three-pointer to give Indiana a 54-53 lead, Lennox made a 13-footer with 15 seconds left. The Fever had a chance to go ahead, but Stephanie White missed two free throws with 6.7 seconds remaining.

Then Jackson and Kamila Vodichkova made two free throws each in the final seconds.

Miller and Tamika Catchings had 15 points apiece for Indiana.

Mercury 71, Monarchs 69

Sacramento, Calif. — Rookie Diana Taurasi had 22 points and eight rebounds, leading Phoenix over Sacramento and ending the Mercury’s eight-game losing streak against the Monarchs.

Ticha Penicheiro scored a season-high 15 points for the Monarchs.