NEW YORK, June 28 (Ticker) -- The Cleveland Rockers still have the New
York Liberty's number.
Penny Taylor continued her resurgence with 20 points and helped
the Rockers continue their mastery of the Liberty with a 67-58
victory.
Cleveland swept three meetings with New York a year ago en route
to finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference.
The Rockers have now won five straight meetings against the Liberty,
including an 80-69 home victory a week ago.
Taylor managed just eight points in two games before pouring in
24 in a blowout of Sacramento on Thursday. The Australian
forward turned in another strong outing by nailing 6-of-10
shots, including four 3-pointers.
The Rockers took the lead for good five minutes into the contest
and never relinquished it. Ann Wauters' layup provided a 31-27
halftime cushion.
New York remained close and trailed 42-38 after a basket by
Becky Hammon with 13:03 remaining. Hammon finished with eight
points and provided all of the Liberty's scoring off the bench.
Tracy Henderson's layup for triggered a 17-6 spurt by Cleveland
that opened a 59-44 lead with 4:24 to play. Taylor's final
3-pointer of the night capped the run.
Merlakia Jones scored 13 points and was the only other player in
double figures for the Rockers. Starting point guard Jennifer
Rizzotti slipped with 11:15 remaining and did not return after
suffering an apparent left knee injury.
Tari Phillips collected 18 points and nine rebounds to lead New
York, which slipped to 4-2 at home. The Liberty made just
2-of-14 from beyond the arc.
New York has not beaten Cleveland since August 8, 2000.









