Mercury Is Rising, Sets Team Record

Jennifer Gillom scored 28 points, made 10 of 12 shots and had six rebounds to lead the Phoenix Mercury to an 84-77 victory over the Orlando Miracle on Tuesday night before 9,654 at Phoenix.

The Mercury set a franchise record for field goal percentage, going 29 for 51 (56.9%). The previous record was 55% in an 80-62 victory at Houston on June 3.

Tonya Edwards scored 12 points for Phoenix (18-10). The Mercury has won four of its last five games.

Adrienne Johnson led Orlando with 24 points.

The loss was the sixth in a row for the Miracle (14-14) and eighth in its last nine games. It is the first time since June 22 that Orlando has been at the .500 mark.

Houston 68, Washington 60--Tina Thompson scored 16 points and Cynthia Cooper had 15 to lead the Comets (23-5) before 12,871 at Houston.

The loss dropped the Mystics (11-16) one game behind Detroit in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Chamique Holdsclaw led the Mystics with 18 points.

Portland 54, Miami 50--Sophia Witherspoon scored 24 points and Tully Bevilaqua made two free throws in the final minute as the Fire won before 7,092 at Portland.

Sheri Sam scored 23 to lead the Sol, which outrebounded the Fire, 34-17.

Miami (10-18) went on a 10-5 run to start the second half, taking a 39-31 lead. Portland (10-18) took its first lead with about six minutes left in the game.

Seattle 66, Indiana 60--Robin Threatt scored 19 points to lead the Storm before 8,670 at Seattle.

After the Fever pulled within 57-55 with 3:40 remaining, Threatt made a baseline jumper for a 59-55 Storm lead. Sonja Henning’s layup made it 61-55 lead.

Jamie Redd had 16 points for Seattle (5-23), which ended a losing streak at four games.

Kara Wolters led Indiana (7-20) with 15 points and nine rebounds.