Aug 27, 2007, 16:48 GMT
Phoenix, AZ - Diana Taurasi scored 20 points and dished out six assists as the Phoenix Mercury held off a late surge by the Seattle Storm to win 95-89, and advance to the Western Conference finals with a two-game series sweep.
Taurasi drained a three-pointer -- her fourth of the game -- with just over two minutes remaining to break an 85-85 deadlock, and the Mercury led the rest of the way. Seattle had trailed by as many as 22 points in the second half, but tied the game on a Betty Lennox fallaway bankshot.
Taurasi's subsequent three and a pair of free throws by Cappie Pondexter, who finished with 25 points, iced it for the Mercury.
Lauren Jackson led Seattle with 22 points and 14 rebounds, but played much of the fourth quarter with five fouls, which allowed Phoenix's Penny Taylor to attack on the offensive end. Sue Bird had 21 points -- including 5-of-8 from three-point range -- and six assists. Lennox added 13.
Taylor finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Kelly Miller had 16 points and six boards for the Mercury, who totaled four starters in double figures.
Phoenix also finished 28-for-33 from the free throw line, helping to secure its lead once Seattle had made a run to get back into the game.
A 27-14 lead after one quarter staked Phoenix to an early advantage, and despite playing the Mercury even for the next two quarters, Seattle needed a furious run in order to tie the game in the fourth.
Phoenix moves on to take on the winner of the other Western Conference semifinal series, between second-seeded San Antonio and third-seeded Sacramento. The series is tied at one game apiece after the Silver Stars evened things with an 86-61 home blowout Saturday.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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