Sacramento, CA -- (Sports Network) - Nicole Powell scored 22 points and hauled in seven rebounds to lead the Sacramento Monarchs past the Minnesota Lynx, 78-71.

Kara Lawson netted 17 points for the Monarchs, who have won two of three and hold a two-game lead over Phoenix for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Crystal Kelly had 10 points in victory.

Charde Houston scored 19 points off the bench for the Lynx, who have dropped four straight. Seimone Augustus had 14 points, while Nicky Anosike had 10 points and 10 boards in defeat. The loss eliminated Minnesota from playoff contention.