The Storm shot 22.2% from the field (4 of 18) and was 0 for 6 from three-point range in the opening period, but Connecticut was only slightly better while connecting on 6 of 18 shots (33.3%).

The Sun surged ahead 26-15 early in the second quarter and led 28-17 when the Storm seized momentum. Seattle finished the quarter with a 17-3 run that began with Loyd's driving layup with 4:55 minutes remaining.

The spurt included consecutive highlight plays, in which Horston snatched a rebound to start a fast break and connected with Magbegor for a transition layup.

"Jordan, this year, I've definitely seen a step up in her guard skills," Magbegor said. "She played more in the post for us last year, but just the way she's able to push the ball in transition. I know she loves scanning the floor, so I'm just ready for those outlet passes and she did a great job of that today."

On their ensuing possession, Loyd put the Storm on top for the first time at 30-28 with a couple of free throws and they went into the break with a 34-31 lead.

Connecticut regained the lead at 42-41 before Ogwumike drilled a three-pointer to put Seattle up for good 43-42 with 4:17 left in the third. Before her shot, the Storm were 1 for 12 on three-pointers.

Seattle outscored Connecticut 21-17 in the third quarter and took a 55-48 lead heading to the fourth.

DeWanna Bonner, who was held to nine points by Horston, dropped a three-pointer that trimmed the Sun's deficit to 59-55 with 5:08 left.

Minutes later, Diggins-Smith swiped a pass for her second steal and drained an open three-pointer before the shot clock expired that gave the Storm a 67-57 lead and forced a Connecticut timeout.

Then Horston sent the crowd of 9,935 into a frenzy with a dagger three that hit the glass and rattled in in the final minute.

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