Mercury use big run to rout Storm

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Mercury used a huge second quarter run and stifling defense to win a franchise record eighth straight game.

Penny Taylor had 14 points to lead a balanced offense and the Mercury scored 19 straight points to rout Seattle 78-58 on Wednesday.

The Mercury (14-3) outscored the Storm 21-4 in the second quarter, including the 19-point run that finally ended on a Camille Little jumper with 28.8 seconds to go until halftime. The four points allowed in a quarter tied a Mercury franchise record low.

Brittney Griner added 13 points, eight rebounds and a career-high five assists.

The Storm (8-13) went more than seven minutes between baskets in the second quarter. Seattle led 14-8 in the first quarter after a Crystal Langhorne jumper, part of her eight points in the quarter. But the Mercury took over in the second.

The Mercury has won all three meetings against the Storm in 2014, all at home.