The expansion Toronto Tempo responded in a big way Sunday after a rough start Friday night, earning a 106-96 win over the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles to split the weekend series.

Toronto came out determined after falling behind 21-2 in the opening four-and-a-half minutes Friday. This time, the Tempo attacked early and took control from the opening quarter. Rookie Kiki Rice made her first WNBA start and helped spark the offense as Toronto led 27-21 after one quarter.

The Tempo extended the advantage to 45-32 with 3:57 remaining in the first half before taking a solid 49-40 lead into halftime. Toronto never let up in the second half, pushing the margin to 71-54 late in the third quarter before cruising to the franchise victory.

Brittney Sykes delivered a dominant performance with a game-high 38 points while going a perfect 15-for-15 from the free-throw line. Toronto as a team was outstanding at the stripe, shooting 39-for-42.

Rice impressed in her starting debut with 19 points, looking poised beyond her years in her first extended WNBA opportunity.

For Los Angeles, Kelsey Plum scored 28 points in the loss and is averaging 27 points during the Sparks’ opening four-game homestand.

Next up, the Tempo travel to face the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday in Phoenix, while the Sparks will also meet the Mercury on Thursday night.