Sun escape Sting

Lindsay Whalen scored 20 points and made all 12 of her free throws Thursday to lead the Connecticut Sun over Charlotte 76-71.

Mercury 91, Shock 76: At Auburn Hills, Mich., Cappie Pondexter scored a league rookie-record 35 points to pace Phoenix to a win over Detroit.

Monarchs 79, Liberty 58: At New York, Erin Buescher scored 19 points and Nicole Powell added 16 as Sacramento routed New York.