Candice Wiggins, Roneeka Hodges score 22 points each to lead Lynx in 109-80 win over Mercury

Wiggins, Hodges help Lynx cruise past Mercury

MINNEAPOLIS — Candice Wiggins and Roneeka Hodges scored 22 points each, leading the Minnesota Lynx to a 109-80 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night.

Nicky Anosike and Renee Montgomery had 15 points each and Rashanda McCants added 11 for the Lynx (6-3), who scored a season high in points to win their second straight. Anosike also had eight rebounds.

Cappie Pondexter and DeWanna Bonner scored 19 points each and Le’Coe Willingham had 13 for the Mercury (6-4), who lost for the second time in three games.

Diana Taurasi, the league’s second-leading scorer at 22.4 points per game, had just eight points on 2 for 15 shooting. Neither of her baskets were from outside the arc, ending a 55-game streak with at least one 3-pointer.

Minnesota had a season-high 25 assists — including eight by Kelly Miller — while tying a season-low with just eight turnovers. Phoenix turned the ball over 19 times.

The Lynx shot 46 percent from the field; Phoenix 34.3 percent.

With Minnesota leading by 11 at halftime, Wiggins hit a 3-pointer and Hodges a long jumper early in the third quarter to push the lead to 63-43. A 3-pointer from Hodges late in the quarter extended the cushion to 82-52.

Wiggins hit two free throws to cap a 10-2 run that gave the Lynx their largest lead of the game, 97-64 midway through the fourth quarter.