AUBURN HILLS, MICH. ? A 21-point run in the second half helped the Detroit Shock rout the Connecticut Sun, 66-50, Tuesday night.

Swin Cash scored 13 points and Cheryl Ford added 11 as Detroit won for just the second time in five games to move a half-game ahead of Charlotte atop the Eastern Conference. The loss ended Connecticut’s three-game winning streak.

Detroit improved to 3-0 against the Sun this season. The teams play for the final time Aug. 5 at Connecticut.

When Detroit went on the 21-0 run, it held Connecticut scoreless for over 11 minutes. Nykesha Sales led the Sun with 15 points.

Lynx 77, Monarchs 59

Minneapolis — Katie Smith scored 26 points, and Tamika Williams added 15 as Minnesota got back to .500 with a victory over Sacramento.

The win assured at least a split of the four-game series between the teams. Both are vying for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. They meet once more, Aug. 9 in Sacramento.

Smith and Williams were a combined 16 for 24 from the field. Sherri Sam added 16 points for the Lynx (8-8).

Yolanda Griffith led the Monarchs (7-11) with 17 points and 16 rebounds, but Sacramento shot just 40 percent — including three of 14 from behind the arc.

Comets 60, Fever 56

Houston — Janeth Arcain had 18 points and Sheryl Swoopes added 15, leading Houston past Indiana. Tamika Catchings led the Fever with 23 points.