Saturday, May 22, 2004
Mercury 65, Sun 58
UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Diana Taurasi was all business in her return to Connecticut. The former UConn All-American scored 26 points to lead Phoenix in her second pro game and first in the state where she led the Huskies to three straight NCAA titles. Taurasi drew a standing ovation during introductions from the sellout crowd of 9,341. Dozens of fans wore her UConn jersey and there were countless signs welcoming her back. Despite wearing the opponent's colors, she drew cheers each time she scored en route to spoiling the Sun's season opener. It was the first win for Phoenix (1-1), which selected Taurasi with the first pick in the WNBA draft last month. Anna DeForge added 17 points and had six assists for the Mercury. DeForge and Penny Taylor controlled the boards with seven rebounds each.
Sting 71, Mystics 68
WASHINGTON -- Allison Feaster made a 17-foot jumper with 1:08 remaining to put Charlotte ahead. Feaster scored 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, and was one of five Charlotte players in double figures. Her late jumper made the score 69-68. Washington's Chamique Holdsclaw missed a jumper in the lane with 12 seconds remaining and Charlotte Smith-Taylor, who scored 10 points, sank two free throws with 8.8 seconds to go for the Sting. Mystics rookie Alana Beard missed a potential tying 3-pointer in the final seconds. It was a mixed debut for Beard, who showed tremendous hustle on defense forcing two steals and blocking four shots. However, the former Duke All-American hit just 3-for-10 from the floor to finish with 10 points. Tynesha Lewis scored 16 points and Dawn Staley added 12 for the Sting, who overcame 19 turnovers.
-- Associated Press
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