The defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury avoided elimination by beating the Houston Comets 99-74 on Sunday and staying in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. Coupled with Sacramento's win over Minnesota, the Mercury moved into sole possession of fifth place, two games behind fourth-place Sacramento. Houston and Minnesota are three games back with three to play. Diana Taurasi scored 33 points, her ninth 30-plus performance of the season, to lead Phoenix. Taurasi scored 22 points, making 15-of-15 from the free-throw line, in the first half. The 15 free throws set a WNBA record for most in a half, topping Houston's Tina Thompson, who made 14 on June 11, 2007. Mistie Williams scored a career-high 17 points to lead the Comets, who have lost five in a row and are just 3-13 on the road. Monarchs 78, Lynx 71: At Sacramento, California, Nicole Powell had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists and Sacramento boosted its playoff chances while eliminating Minnesota from postseason contention. Kara Lawson added 17 for the Monarchs, who overcame their inconsistent offense early and received significant contributions from five reserves. The bench accounted for 31 points. The Monarchs can clinch a playoff spot on Tuesday with a win over Seattle or with losses by both Houston and Phoenix. Charde Houston scored 19 points and Seimone Augustus added 14 for the Lynx, who dropped their fourth straight. Liberty 69, Sky 61: At New York, Janel McCarville scored 16 points and Essence Carson had 10 to lead New York over Chicago. Silver Stars 85, Sun 73: At Uncasville, Connecticut, Becky Hammon scored 24 points and San Antonio pulled into a first-place tie in the West Conference by beating Connecticut.
