After two road losses, Storm returns to KeyArena, faces Connecticut

Much has changed for the Storm.

There are new owners, a new coach, six new faces, and a new attitude.

Too bad none of it travels well.

Seattle returns for a two-game homestand tonight against Eastern Conference-leading Connecticut (8-1) after another unsuccessful road trip. This time, the Storm (7-5) lost a back-to-back set in San Antonio and Houston by a combined 13 points.

But the Storm is a pristine 6-0 at KeyArena, and realizing more each day how important it is to protect home court.

"We're a really good team, it's just a matter of regrouping now," said Storm forward Lauren Jackson after the team's 68-60 loss to Houston on Saturday. "We know how important every game is now until the break and we've just got to get it done. Even if it's just for [coach] Brian [Agler]; he's such a great coach and you want to win for him and the people that put so much effort into making us who we are."

Seattle finished 5-12 away from KeyArena in 2007, and the team wanted a stronger showing this season on the road because it will lose Jackson for five games in July. Jackson, last season's league MVP, will leave to join her Australian national team to prepare for the Olympics. Four of the games she'll miss are on the road against Indiana, Washington, Minnesota, and Phoenix.

Seattle plays only two more road games — against Los Angeles and Sacramento — before Jackson leaves. The league's Olympic break is July 28-Aug. 27.

"I haven't even thought about the break, but I guess that is something the team has tried to prepare for," Jackson said. "It's one of those things where I'm going to do what I can now and help out. Obviously every win is important whether it's on the road or at home."

While many are predicting Detroit (8-3) to win the East title, Connecticut has emerged as a solid contender despite a roster overhaul. Lindsay Whalen (15.5 points and 6.7 assists) and forward Asjha Jones (12.5 points and 5.8 rebounds) lead the Sun.

But newcomer Barbara Turner, who was cut by former Storm coach Anne Donovan during training camp last season, is adding a spark for Connecticut. Turner, who was acquired via trade from Houston, is averaging 10.2 points and 3.5 boards.

The Storm may have to play again without starting center Yolanda Griffith.

Griffith missed her first start of the season on Saturday because of an injured left knee and ankle suffered in the opening half of Friday's loss to San Antonio. She had the leg evaluated during the Houston loss and more should be known today.

Reserve Ashley Robinson said she'll have to deal with her right Achilles throughout the season and had two flare-ups on the road trip, limiting her to two minutes against the Silver Stars and 10 minutes against the Comets. But Agler found a productive lineup — Jackson, forwards Sheryl Swoopes and Shyra Ely and guards Tanisha Wright and Sue Bird.

Connecticut also plays a small lineup, which could help Seattle today.

"We found a lineup that was doing some good things both in the first half and as we tweaked it in the second," Agler said. "We miss Yolanda, but we've got to find a way to win."

NOTE

• Brazil defeated Cuba 72-67 on Sunday in the FIBA Olympic Qualifier Tournament for women to grab the final berth for the Beijing Games. Storm forward Kelly Santos contributed 10 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com