Sun 76, Mercury 67

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Asjha Jones scored 11 of Connecticut’s first 15 points, hearing toward a team-high 24 points, to lead the Sun to a 76-67 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday.

Connecticut (3-2) led throughout the game, pulling away with a 13-2 lead in the opening minutes. Phoenix (4-2) cut the Sun’s lead to 20-15 at the end of the first quarter, but never got any closer.

The Mercury trailed 35-27 at the half. Connecticut emerged from the break for a 16-3 run, giving it a 51-30 lead less than four minutes into the second half. Phoenix battled back, cutting the deficit to nine in the final quarter.

Forward Nykesha Sales and guard Lindsay Whalen added 18 points each for the Sun, which held a 47-38 advantage on the boards. Tangela Smith led Phoenix with 18 points.

Another key for Connecticut was containing Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi, who was 1-of-3 in the first quarter and attempted just two shots in the second.

Taurasi, a former University of Connecticut standout, led Phoenix at the break with 8 points, finishing with 13.

The Mercury were held to their lowest point total of the season, just two points more than the team’s lowest mark in 2006.

--AP

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