Liberty rolls in playoff opener

DETROIT (AP) -- Elena Baranova scored 17 points to lead the New York Liberty to a 75-62 victory over the Detroit Shock in Game 1 of their first-round WNBA playoff series.
The loss means the defending champions will have to win Sunday and Tuesday in New York to avoid being eliminated in the best-of-three series.
The game was played at Joe Louis Arena, home of the NHL's Red Wings, because of a scheduling conflict at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
It was the fourth arena the teams have played in this season, joining the Palace, Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall. The Liberty had to have a second home building because of the Republican convention being held in Madison Square Garden.
Detroit was without Olympian Swin Cash, who will miss the postseason after tearing a knee ligament on Sept. 11 in Phoenix.
Crystal Robinson added 15 points and Becky Hammon had 13 for New York, which tied a franchise playoff record with nine 3-pointers. The Liberty finished 9-of-16 from beyond the arc.
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