Pondexter's 2 free throws win for Phoenix

SAN ANTONIO -- Cappie Pondexter scored 26 points -- including 2 crucial free throws with 2.1 seconds left -- to lift the Phoenix Mercury to a 102-100 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals Thursday night.

Phoenix led from the second quarter until the last seconds of the fourth. Shanna Crossley made three free throws with 15 seconds remaining after being fouled by Diana Taurasi on a 3-point attempt to pull San Antonio to 100-97.

Taurasi then lost the ball out of bounds, and Becky Hammon hit a 3 for the Silver Stars to tie the game at 100 with 2.1 seconds left. However, Crossley fouled Pondexter on the inbound play, and Pondexter hit both free throws.