Uncasville – Jonquel Jones led the way with 19 points and 15 rebounds and the Connecticut Sun won its third straight game since the All-Star break, edging the Phoenix Mercury 93-92 at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night.
Jones collected her fourth straight double-double – her 14th of the season – before fouling out with 2:26 remaining. She was one of six players in double figures for the Sun (15-9), who held off the Mercury (13-11) despite the loss of Jasmine Thomas (15 points). The veteran point guard left the game with just over three minutes left in the first half after twisting her left ankle and did not return.
Alyssa Thomas (18 points, seven rebounds, four assists) played a team-high 36 minutes while Alex Bentley (a season-high 16 points, four assists) came off the bench to spark the Sun. She had 14 points in the second half, including a driving layup with 18.2 seconds left to put the Sun ahead, 91-89.
On the ensuing possession, Stephanie Talbot missed a shot and Alyssa Thomas pulled down the rebound. Shekinna Stricklen was fouled, and she hit two free throws to secure the win.
Stricklen (11 points) and Courtney Williams (10 points, four assists) also reached double figures among the starters.
Diana Taurasi led the Mercury (13-11) with 33 points – her fourth 30-point game of the season – on 12-of-18 shooting while Leilani Mitchell had 17 points with five made threes.
The Sun will be home again on Tuesday, hosting the Seattle Storm at 7 p.m. UConn Associate Head Coach Chris Dailey will be honored with the Margo Dydek Award as the 2017 Connecticut Sun Woman of Inspiration. Get tickets.