Sparks center Dearica Hamby scores 21 points in first half against Mercury

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