McWilliams-Franklin Lifts Connecticut, 68-66

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 20 points, including the game-winning layup with 2.3 seconds left, to lead the Connecticut Sun to a 68-66 victory over the Charlotte Sting in Game 1 of their best-of-three WNBA Eastern Conference playoff series.

McWilliams-Franklin scored eight points in Connecticut’s closing 10-2 run over the final five minutes. She made a three-pointer and was fouled by Dawn Staley with 1:45 left and converted the four-point play to pull Connecticut within 66-64.

Sun guard Shannon Johnson made two free throws with 52 seconds left to tie it.

The Sun’s Nykesha Sales made the key defensive stop, blocking a jumper by Andrea Stinson. Johnson retrieved the ball and called a timeout for Connecticut, allowing the Sun to set up the winning play.

Game 2 is Saturday at Charlotte.

It was the third time McWilliams-Franklin scored the winning basket for Connecticut this season.

Staley led the Sting with 15 points.