Pierson scores 17 as Liberty cruise past Mercury - CBS 5 - KPHO

Plenette Pierson scored 17 points to lead New York's balanced offense and the Liberty cruised to an 87-59 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday night.

Kara Braxton and Alex Montgomery added 12 points each, Nicole Powell had 11 and Cappie Pondexter 10 to help New York (11-16) move a half-game ahead of Chicago for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Liberty host the Sky on Friday night.

DeWanna Bonner scored 20 points for the Mercury (6-20), who fell into a tie with Tulsa for last place in the West. Diana Taurasi and Alexis Hornbuckle added 10 points each.

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