Liberty Works Overtime in Playoff Bid

It was Sophia Witherspoon’s turn to lead the New York Liberty to victory.

Witherspoon scored six of her 17 points in overtime as New York defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 79-78, Tuesday night in front of 15,524 at Madison Square Garden, greatly improving the Liberty’s playoff chances.

The Liberty (16-10) is tied with Cleveland for second place in the Eastern Conference, a one-half game behind Charlotte (17-10). New York and Phoenix (15-11) entered the game tied for the fourth and the final WNBA playoff spot. New York has won eight of its last nine games.

Officials ruled Phoenix’s Kristi Harrower’s potential game-winning three-point basket went in after the buzzer. The Liberty are 5-0 in overtime this season.

Jennifer Gillom, who led Phoenix with 21 points, forced the overtime by making a three-point shot with 0.2 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the score at 68.

Detroit 50, Sacramento 41--Sandy Brondello scored 15 points and Cindy Brown had 13 points and 12 rebounds as the visiting Shock (15-12) held the Monarchs (7-19) to the lowest point total in WNBA history before 5,527.

The Monarchs held the old record for lowest point total when they scored 44 against Houston on July 18.

The victory keeps Detroit’s slim playoff hopes alive with three games left.

Latasha Byears had 16 points for the Monarchs.