Charles Helps Liberty Beat Storm 78-74

NEW YORK (AP) — Tina Charles scored 18 points to help the New York Liberty beat the Seattle Storm 78-74 on Wednesday night, overcoming a strong effort by Breanna Stewart.

Tanisha Wright added a season-high 18 points for the Liberty (13-6), who have won three of their past four games.

New York led for the entire game, building their advantage to 18 in the first half before Seattle rallied behind Stewart, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft this past April. She finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds.

The Storm (6-12) trailed by seven midway through the fourth before Stewart scored five straight to get them within 75-73 with 8.8 seconds left.

Sue Bird was fouled 4 seconds later and hit the first of two free throws. Her second bounced off the rim and New York grabbed the rebound.

Wright hit two free throws with 1.9 seconds remaining and Seattle turned the ball over on its last possession to seal the game.