Sky looking for redemption in Phoenix


Chicago was riding high fresh off a Double OT victory over Eastern Conference rival Connecticut, but on Saturday, June 25, Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury came into Allstate Arena and stole a game from the Chicago Sky, 86-78 behind 23 points from Taurasi.

On Friday, the Sky will seek redemption when they seek a win on Phoenix�s home court and go for the season split with the Mercury behind a little star power of their own. Sylvia Fowles and Epiphanny Prince have made strong cases for all-star berths so far in 2011, and they crave a victory over one of the Western Conference�s elite teams.

A key to success for Chicago will be slowing down one of the WNBA�s top stars in Taurasi. The WNBA eight-year veteran, who now has a lifetime 10-1 record vs. Chicago, scorched the Sky for 23 points in the first matchup on 8 of 15 shooting, and former Sky forward Candice Dupree delivered a strong performance for the visiting team as well with 13 points and eight rebounds.

While Fowles put together an all-around stellar game with 28 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals and 2 blocks, and Prince added a gutsy 16 points; Chicago found themselves a step behind Phoenix in the loss. In the end, two of the most telling statistics in Phoenix�s win over the Sky were the rebounding margin (40-29) and second chance points (28-10) won by the Mercury.

Sky head coach Pokey Chatman will no doubt have her team energized from the get-go on Friday to try and pull out a win in Phoenix.

You can catch the game on Comcast Xfinity CN100 or liveaccess at www.chicagosky.net
Game tips off at 9pm CT.