What looked like an easier matchup for the Phoenix Mercury against one of the bottom teams in the WNBA, the Los Angeles Sparks, turned into a tougher challenge through the first two quarters Friday night at Footprint Center.
With a bench limited because of four injured players, the Sparks (4-13) have lost the past six games, but center Dearica Hamby lit up the Mercury and scored 21 points to help LA to a 45-44 lead at halftime.
The Sparks gave the Mercury trouble from the perimeter, making four consecutive 3-pointers in the first quarter. The hot shooting continued into the second quarter as the Mercury eight 3-pointers from the Sparks.
Mercury star Diana Taurasi countered with four 3-pointers on five attempts, including a perfect 3-for-3 in the first quarter. She finished the half with 16 points to lead Phoenix.
The Mercury trailed by three after one quarter but started the second quarter with a 4-0 run.
However, Hamby scored eight unanswered points as the Sparks went to the locker room clinging to a one-point lead.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sparks center Dearica Hamby scores 21 in first half against Mercury
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