Lynx fall to Mercury 103-96
Published on September 4, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release
WEDNESDAY'S LYNX GAME
LYNX 96
PHOENIX 103
Diana Taurasi poured in 32 points as Phoenix kept its playoff hopes alive with a 103-96 victory over the Lynx on Wednesday night at US Airways Center. The teams combined to shoot just 21 percent in the opening period, which ended with the Mercury on top 13-10. LaToya Pringle's jumper capped a 7-0 start to the second for Phoenix, and the margin swelled to 40-26 by halftime. Two Kelly Miller free throws gave the Mercury their biggest lead of the night at 51-30 early in the third quarter, but Anna DeForge fired home four 3-pointers over the next four minutes as Minnesota used a 21-6 barrage to narrow the margin to six. Taurasi's three-point play ignited a 10-0 Phoenix response, and the Lynx went into the final period trailing 71-59. Seimone Augustus pulled Minnesota to within four with 1:45 remaining, and another DeForge trey cut the margin to 97-94 in the final minute. However, Miller countered with two free throws and a breakaway layup as the Mercury put the game out of reach. Miller had 20 points and Cappie Pondexter added 18 for Phoenix. Augustus led the Lynx with 27 points and DeForge netted a season-high 23, while Nicky Anosike totaled 14 points and a franchise-record-tying 15 rebounds.
NEXT LYNX GAME
LYNX VS. SEATTLE - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 - KEYARENA - 9:00 PM - BOB FM106
Minnesota will continue its quest for the playoffs Saturday in Seattle when they take on Sue Bird and the first place Seattle Storm. With last night's loss, the Lynx sit in a tie with Houston for fifth place at 14-15, just two games back of Sacramento for the final playoff spot. Minnesota finishes off its four-game trip in Sacramento on Sunday. Seattle has defeated Minnesota in both previous matchups this season, winning 96-71 in Seattle back on July 5, 2008 and 76-73 at Target Center back on July 22, 2008. Rookie Candice Wiggins is averaging a team-leading 14.0 ppg in the two contests, followed by Seimone Augustus' and Nicky Anosike's 12.0 ppg each. Seattle comes in to Saturday without defending WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson. She has missed the first two games since the Olympic break due to routine arthroscopic surgery done to alleviate an ankle complaint, which has troubled her in recent months. Jackson sat out the final five games before the break to train with the Australian National Team. Seattle is 4-3 overall without the former MVP. Seattle is 19-10 and in a tie with San Antonio for the top spot in the West. Saturday's game can be heard on the radio home of the Lynx, BOB FM 106 with Alan Horton on the call.
VOTE SEIMONE AUGUSTUS FOR WNBA MVP
Don't miss out on the opportunity to vote Lynx star Seimone Augustus for MVP. Fans who cast their vote on wnba.com will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip to the 2008 WNBA Finals. For more information on Seimone's MVP campaign, turn to lynxbasketball.com.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 VS. INDIANA
The Lynx are teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Twin Cities to host a school supply drive on Tuesday, September 9 when the Lynx play host to Indiana. Fans that bring a new item to the Big Brothers Big Sisters table in the main lobby will receive a complimentary game ticket. For more information, turn to www.lynxbasketball.com.
FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 VS. PHOENIX
Friday, September 12 is fan appreciation night with the Lynx. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a free Lynx wristband courtesy of U.S. Bank. In addition, various prizes will be awarded throughout the game. Lynx players will also throw autographed merchandise into the crowd after the game. Tickets start at just $10. More information is available on www.lynxbasketball.com.
LYNX INTRODUCE 'LADIES NIGHT OUT' PRESENTED BY NBA CITY RESTAURANT, SALON AVE AND B96
Ladies can join the Minnesota Lynx for a fun-filled evening on September 12. The Ladies Night Out package is $30 and includes a pregame party at NBA City Restaurant - including food and drink - a $45 ticket to the Lynx vs. Mercury game and a $20 Salon Ave gift card. In addition, Salon Ave will be selecting a lucky lady to get an express makeover at the pregame party at NBA City.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from September 4, 2008
- Storm Playoff Tickets on Sale Saturday - Seattle Storm
- Detroit Shock Announce 2008 Playoff Tickets On-Sale - Detroit Shock
- Lynx Daily - Minnesota Lynx
- "Pack The Place Pink" With The Connecticut Sun This Sunday Against San Antonio - Connecticut Sun
- Mystics To Celebrate Fans On September 14th - Washington Mystics
- Lynx Team Up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities to Host Back to School Night - Minnesota Lynx
- Silver Stars Will Wear Special Pink Uniforms Friday Night - San Antonio Stars
- Universal City resident wins national i-design contest - San Antonio Stars
- WNBA and adidas announce winners for i-design contest - WNBA
- Silver Stars Sign Adrianne Ross To Seven-Day Deal; Extend Berezhynska's Contract - San Antonio Stars
- WNBA to raise awareness and funds in fight against breast cancer - WNBA
- Lynx fall to Mercury 103-96 - Minnesota Lynx
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