Aug 10, 2007, 4:50 GMT
Phoenix, AZ - Penny Taylor poured home 31 points in Phoenix's 97-86 victory over the New York Liberty.
Cappie Pondexter recorded 27 points, Diana Taurasi contributed 14 points and Tangela Smith added 11 for Phoenix, which tied the franchise record for wins (20) in the season with its eighth victory in nine games. The Mercury are a game ahead of San Antonio for first place in the Western Conference.
Janel McCarville notched a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds and Shameka Christon also scored 25 points for New York, which is going in the opposite direction with its ninth loss in 11 games.
The Liberty dropped two games between Washington for the Eastern Conference's fourth and final playoff spot.
Phoenix led 26-23 after one stanza and 44-35 at the half. New York battled back to draw within 85-81 with 3:03 remaining, but Taylor hit a three throw and Kelly Miller scored on the next possession to right the ship.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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