Sam, Smith lead Lynx

? Sheri Sam was at her best when the Minnesota Lynx needed her most, and so was Katie Smith.

Sam scored 13 of her 18 points in the second half, and the Lynx held off the Phoenix Mercury, 61-56, Monday night.

The game was tied at 49 with less than two minutes to play, but Smith hit eight free throws in the final minute for the Lynx (15-11), who moved into sole possession of third place in the Western Conference.

“Sheri comes with a reputation of being a scorer,” said Phoenix coach John Shumate. “Tonight her opportunity came and she took advantage of it.”

The victory was Minnesota’s seventh in a row at home, a franchise record.

Phoenix led at the half and stayed close throughout thanks to 14 points each from Lisa Harrison and Tamicha Jackson.

“We were able to slow the tempo down and stop their fast break,” Harrison said. “We certainly thought we had a good chance to win this game, but Sheri hit a few big shots for them at the end.”

Minnesota went 20-for-20 at the free throw line for the game.