The Connecticut Sun have collected more losses than they wanted this season, none worse than the beating it took from Los Angeles last month.

Connecticut gets its chance at payback today when it plays the Sparks at the Staples Center (3:30 p.m., CPTV Sports).

Los Angeles (12-15) has stumbled through the summer despite having one of the WNBA's most loaded lineups.

It crushed the Sun on July 13, 90-64.

Forward Candace Parker (19.8 points, 7.1 rpg, 4.3 apg) is one of four Sparks scoring in double figures. Forward Nneka Ogwumike (15.9 ppg, 7.2 rpg), center Jantel Lavender (12 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and guard Kristi Toliver (11.8 ppg) are the others.

Connecticut (11-17) must win to stay relevant in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Sun are in last place with six games left, but just one game behind fourth-place New York.

The Sun played one of their better games Friday, winning at San Antonio (89-79) to avenge an early-season loss.

Rookie Chiney Ogwumike made 11 of 13 field goals for 24 points with 12 rebounds. Alex Bentley (18 points, five assists) and rookie Alyssa Thomas (18 points) both played well, too.

- Ned Griffen