PHOENIX, Sept. 19 (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Mercury got back in the win column after it already was too late.

NBA TV highlights from Comets-Mercury: 56k | 300k Anna DeForge tallied a dozen points in each half for Phoenix. Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images

Anna DeForge and Plenette Pierson scored 24 points apiece as the Mercury snapped a four-game losing streak with a 78-64 victory over the Houston Comets.

Phoenix (17-17) was eliminated from postseason contention with Sacramento's win Saturday.

The Mercury never trailed and went on a 13-0 run in the final three minutes of the first half to take a 50-27 at the break.

Houston (13-21) chipped away in the second half, drawing within 68-59 with 3:38 remaining on two free throws by Tina Thompson, but DeForge and Pierson scored seven points down the stretch as the Mercury coasted to the victory.

Rookie Diana Taurasi scored 14 points for Phoenix, which did not finish below .500 for the first time since 2000.

Thompson scored 17 points to lead the Comets, who finished the season with the worst record in their history.