Sunday's WNBA Capsules

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Seimone Augustus scored 19 points to lead the Minnesota Lynx before leaving with an injury to her ribs, and the defending WNBA champions didn't let up in a 105-83 season-opening victory over the Diana Taurasi-less Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

The MVP of last year's finals was hurt late in the third quarter when she leaped to save a loose ball and landed with her midsection on top of a courtside seat. After walking off on her own, she prompted a hearty cheer when she came back to the bench in the fourth quarter with the Lynx still comfortably ahead.

Lindsay Whalen had 10 of her 13 points in the final 11 minutes of the game, and backup Monica Wright added 15 points for the Lynx.

With Taurasi out due to a strained left hip flexor, Charde Houston - sent from the Lynx to the Mercury in a winter trade - scored 24 points against her old team.

SUN 92, LIBERTY 77

UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) - Tina Charles scored 18 of her 25 points in the second half and the Connecticut overcame an early double-digit deficit to, opening the season with back-to-back wins against New York.

Charles, who shot 11 for 15 from the floor, also had 11 rebounds.

Asjha Jones added 20 points and eight boards for Connecticut, which beat the Liberty in New York on Saturday to open the season. Renee Montgomery had 15 points and six assists.

Cappie Pondexter scored 18 points for New York and Plenette Pierson added 16.

Connecticut, 15-2 at home last season, hasn't lost to New York at Mohegan Sun Arena since the 2008 playoffs.

Charles has now scored in double figures in 14 consecutive games.