MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Seimone Augustus had 23 points, rookie Candice Wiggins added 17 and the Minnesota Lynx held off the Sacramento Monarchs 80-76 on Thursday night.

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It was the second consecutive win for the Lynx (8-6), who started the season 5-0 then lost six of seven.

Nicole Powell had 20 points for the Monarchs (6-8), who have lost four of five since an 82-78 win at Minnesota on June 12.

Ticha Penicheiro's shot in the lane cut Minnesota's lead to 75-73 with 11.7 seconds left, but Augustus hit four free throws in the final 10 seconds for the Lynx.

Minnesota opened up a 33-23 lead in the second quarter, only to have the advantage disappear via a 10-0 Monarchs run. Augustus led the Lynx with nine first-half points, including a three-point play with 1:42 left in the first half as Minnesota led 42-39 at the break. Sacramento's Powell led all scorers with 10 in the first half.

While dribbling in the third quarter, Monarchs guard Kara Lawson collapsed to the court, holding her left shoulder. Trainers helped her off, and put the shoulder in a brace. She returned late in the game and finished with eight points.