Los Angeles, CA -- (Sports Network) - Seimone Augustus had a game-high 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field, as the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, 88-70, at the Staples Center.

Candice Wiggins dropped in 19 points, helping Minnesota snap a two-game skid to move one game above .500 at 9-8.

Lisa Leslie led the Sparks with 26 points and 10 boards while Candace Parker and Marie Ferdinand-Harris added 12 each in the loss. Los Angeles had reeled off six wins in seven games before dropping its last three, all at home, to fall out of first place in the Western Conference. San Antonio moved into first by a half game with a 68-67 win over Sacramento earlier Thursday.

The contest was tied 35-35 at halftime, and the Lynx held just a one-point lead after three quarters, but they pulled away with a 15-2 run to start the fourth period and never looked back.

Los Angeles had beaten Minnesota five straight times at the Staples Center.