CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 22 (Ticker) -- All-Star Diana Taurasi would not let the Phoenix Mercury lose a game they appeared to be well in control of.

Taurasi scored 12 of her 27 points in the fourth quarter as the Mercury survived for a 78-74 victory over the Charlotte Sting, who had their season-high four-game winning streak snapped.

NBA TV highlights from Mercury-Sting: Play

With 52 seconds remaining, a 3-pointer by Taurasi forged a 74-74 tie. After Charlotte's Tangela Smith missed a jumper and Phoenix called a timeout, Taurasi made a short basket for a two-point edge with 27 ticks to go.

Following a timeout by Charlotte, Kelly Mazzante misfired on a 3-pointer and rookie Cappie Pondexter corralled the rebound and sank two foul shots on the other end to seal the Mercury's second consecutive win.

Pondexter finished with 17 points and Penny Taylor added 13.

Phoenix appeared on its way to a win after scoring the contest's first eight points and building a 42-31 halftime lead. After three quarters, the Mercury held a 61-55 advantage before the Sting went on a 17-4 run to move ahead, 72-69, with 3:24 left.

Smith scored 25 points and Mazzante added 13 for Charlotte, which trailed by as many as 16 points.

Next Games: Phoenix hosts Seattle and Charlotte hosts Minnesota, both on Tuesday.