Prince, Charles lead Liberty to 80-66 win over Sun

Aug 29, 2015, 09:29 pm

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- Epiphanny Prince had 18 points and four steals and Tina Charles added 15 points and five assists to help the New York Liberty beat the Connecticut Sun 80-66 on Saturday night.

The Liberty (20-8) clinched their first playoff berth since 2012 with an 81-68 home victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Friday night.

Kiah Stokes had 12 points and 10 rebounds, Swin Cash finished with 11 points and New York outscored Connecticut 23-9 in the fourth quarter.

Cash's 3-pointer gave the Liberty a 64-61 lead with 7:15 left. New York closed the game on a 16-5 run as the Sun made just 2 of 9 field goals and committed five turnovers in the final 6:50.

The Liberty shot a season-high 55.9 percent (33 of 59) from the field.

Kelsey Bone led the Sun with 22 points and seven rebounds. Shekinna Stricklen scored 10 points.

Connecticut (12-17) lost its seventh game in a row and 16th in its last 21 after starting the season 7-1.