Hammon Rallies Liberty to Victory

Every time Becky Hammon touched the ball, the crowd noise grew louder.

The Madison Square Garden fans watched as Hammon led New York’s comeback, scoring nine of her 12 points in the second half to lead the Liberty past the Phoenix Mercury, 70-64, before 10,021 Wednesday night at New York.

The Liberty was in control for much of the game before allowing Phoenix to build a seven-point lead in the second half. But the Mercury remained winless in eight games at Madison Square Garden thanks to Hammon, who again inspired the Liberty as a reserve.

“She came in and really sparked them in the second half,” Phoenix Coach John Shumate said. “She basically single-handedly ignited them and gave them some energy.”

Adrian Williams led Phoenix (2-10) with 14 points and had 10 rebounds. Tamicha Jackson had 12.

Vickie Johnson led the Liberty (6-4) with 19 points.

Charlotte 61, Cleveland 50 -- Allison Feaster scored nine of her 14 points in the second half in front of 4,005 at Charlotte, N.C.

Shalonda Enis added 12 points and Dawn Staley had 10 for the Sting (7-5). Merlakia Jones led Cleveland (5-5) with 14 points, while Chasity Melvin added 13. Betty Lennox, Cleveland’s leading scorer, was held to two points on one-of-five shooting.

The Sting blew open a close game early in the second half when Feaster and Staley started making shots from the perimeter.

With Charlotte leading, 30-28, Feaster and Staley combined to make four three-pointers and Enis added another as the Sting built a 48-21 lead six minutes into the second half.

The Rockers did not mount a serious challenge after that.