Phoenix 81, Sacramento 69

PHOENIX, Sept. 5 (AP) -- Diana Taurasi had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Phoenix Mercury to help the WNBA champions avoid elimination from the playoff race with an 81-69 win over the Sacramento Monarchs on Friday night.

Sacramento still holds a 1 1/2-game lead over Houston and Minnesota for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with four games to play. Phoenix (14-16) is two games back of the Monarchs.

Kara Lawson scored 19 points for the Monarchs, who lost for just the third time in 11 games, all on the road.

Cappie Pondexter added 19 points for the Mercury, whose lead never fell below 11 in the second half.

The Mercury held Sacramento scoring leader Nicole Powell to 1-of-9 shooting and just three points, 10 under her average.

Crystal Kelly added 14 points for Sacramento, all but two from the foul line.