Liberty rallies to beat Sun in OT

NEWARK, N.J. -- Liberty coach John Whisenant had concerns heading into last night's home game against the Connecticut Sun.

In addition to his squad's inconsistent play and its fight to maintain a foot-hold on third place in the Eastern Conference standings, the Liberty has had difficulty scoring and defending in the paint.

Last night, the Liberty overcame those deficiencies as Cappie Pondexter scored 20 of her team-high 27 points in the second half and overtime in an 84-81 win over the Sun at the Prudential Center.

Trailing 67-52 after three quarters, Pondexter scored seven points, including a three with 50 seconds left in the fourth to give the Liberty a 74-71 lead. The Sun's Kara Lawson answered with a three of her own with 38 seconds left to tie it at 74 and force the extra session.

Pondexter helped shut the door on the Sun with six of the Liberty's 10 points in overtime.

Regulation time was all about containing Connecticut's Tina Charles, who nearly carried the Sun to the win with 29 points and 14 rebounds.

Whisenant expressed his concern about the Sun's inside prowess before the game.

"If you look at the East, everybody's got an inside power on the blocks offensively, starting here with Tina Charles," said Whisenant. "It's been an on-going issue for us to get an inside game."

Making matters worse, the Liberty played without starting forward Nicole Powell (leg). Powell is considered day to day.

Center Kia Vaughn, a third-year pro, held her own with 17 points and 11 rebounds. It was the first time in eight games Vaughn was in double figures in scoring and rebounding.

Essence Carson (19 points) and Leilani Mitchell (9 points) also benefited from Vaughn's strong game.