Riley helps Shock surge

The Detroit Shock got 21 points from Ruth Riley, 18 from Deanna Nolan, and 18 points and 12 rebounds from Swin Cash yesterday in a 77-71 victory over the slumping San Antonio Silver Stars at Auburn Hills, Mich.

Shannon Johnson had a season-high 25 for San Antonio (6-15), which has lost eight of its last 10.

Cheryl Ford finished with 11 points and 14 rebounds for the defending champion Shock.

Liberty 75, Sting 58 -- Elena Baranova went 7 for 13 from the field and scored 19 points, leading host New York past Charlotte. Crystal Robinson scored 14 points, and Becky Hammon added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the Liberty, who shot 50 percent from the field.

Lynx 63, Mercury 60 -- Katie Smith scored 33 points, helping Minnesota send host Phoenix to its fifth straight loss. Smith, who had 19 points in the second half, scored the last 6 points in the final minute for the Lynx, who have won seven of eight. Phoenix missed two 3-pointers in the final nine seconds.

Monarchs 81, Mystics 71 -- Tangela Smith scored 17 points and had eight rebounds, leading host Sacramento past Washington despite a game-high 27 points by Mystics rookie Alana Beard.