Aug 29, 2007, 1:55 GMT
Auburn Hills, MI - Swin Cash scored on the game-winning layup with 8.5 seconds left in overtime and Deanna Nolan netted 22 points, as Detroit downed New York, 71-70, to advance and face Indiana in the Eastern Conference Final.
Trailing 69-64, Detroit's Katie Smith drilled a three-pointer with 1:47 remaining and Nolan's pull-up jumper approaching the final-minute mark tied the score at 69.
With 8.5 seconds on the clock, Plenette Pierson split two defenders and dished the ball off to a wide-open Cash on the block, who scored the game-winner. Five seconds later, Janel McCarville spun across the lane and got off a layup on which she got fouled by Pierson, who fouled out on the play.
McCarville converted only one free throw with 3.7 seconds left, however, allowing Detroit to slip away with the win after absorbing several fouls in the final seconds.
Cheryl Ford posted 17 points and 10 rebounds for the Shock, who will face a Fever squad Friday that is fresh off accomplishing the biggest comeback in WNBA playoff history with a 93-88 victory over Connecticut to advance on Monday. Smith scored 12 points, and Cash added eight points and nine boards for Detroit.
Cathrine Kraayeveld scored 16 points for the Liberty, whose season ended after having held a 33-23 halftime lead. Tiffany Jackson notched 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Loree Moore scored 11 points.
With the score knotted at 60, Smith scored on a jumper with 32 seconds left before a running jump hook in the lane by McCarville with 18 seconds left tied it again. Nolan got off a runner from the baseline that fell just short as the game went into overtime.
Pierson, who failed to score before fouling out, was awarded the league's first Sixth Woman award prior to the game.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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