Turnovers doom Shock against Mercury

Associated Press Shock's Gergana Branzova plays tight defense against Mercury's Maria Stepanova.

Detroit News wire services

    PHOENIX -- Jennifer Gillom scored 17 points and the Phoenix Mercury spoiled Shock Coach Nancy LiebermanCline's return with a 73-60 victory Wednesday night.
    Lieberman-Cline ended her Hall of Fame career last season as a reserve guard for the Mercury.
    Michelle Griffiths scored 12 for the Mercury (11-3), who have won a franchise-record four straight. The Mercury forced 20 turnovers and committed just 14.
    "We turned the ball over too many times," Lieberman-Cline said.
    Korie Hlede scored 16 and reserve Rachael Sporn had 12 points, nine rebounds and a team-record four blocked shots for the Shock (7-9).
    "Rachel was magnificent," Lieberman-Cline said. "This was a good breakout game for her. We've been encouraging her to shoot and she gives us a spark."
    Hlede scored eight in the final 11 minutes of the first half to help the Shock close to 36-32 at halftime.
    Phoenix led 43-39 with 16:33 remaining before going on a 16-9 run to make it 59-48.
   

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