Aug 31, 2007, 4:07 GMT
San Antonio, TX - Cappie Pondexter poured in 26 points and drilled two free throws in the final seconds as the Phoenix Mercury edged the San Antonio Silver Stars, 102-100, in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.
Diana Taurasi added 20 points, and Penny Taylor scored 18 and grabbed 14 rebounds for the Mercury, who took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Tangela Smith scored 17 points for Phoenix.
Becky Hammon scored 32 points for the Silver Stars, and Sophia Young finished with 24 points and 18 boards.
The Mercury led 100-94 late in the final minute of play, but Shanna Crossley was fouled by Taurasi while attempting a three-pointer with 15 seconds left, and sank all three to cut the deficit in half.
Taurasi then compounded things by turning the ball over on the next possession, setting up Hammon's game-tying three with two seconds left. Crossley inexplicably fouled Pondexter on the inbounds play, however, setting up the game-winning free throws.
The action now heads to Phoenix for Game 2 on Saturday, with Game 3, if necessary, on Sunday.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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