Detroit 91, Phoenix 75

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Rookie Swin Cash had 14 points and nine rebounds and Deanna Nolan scored 13 Sunday night as the Detroit Shock recorded their highest total of the season in a 91-75 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Detroit opened the season with a league-record 12 straight losses and were just 1-16 on July 8. But the Shock have shown vast improvement under Coach Bill Laimbeer, who has guided the team to an 8-10 record since he took over on June 21.

Detroit turned in its most impressive performance of the season Sunday, eclipsing its previous season high by 11 points. The Shock shot 44 percent from the floor and made 19 of 24 free throws en route to their seventh win in 11 games.

Cash made just three of 11 shots but led the team in scoring for the 12th straight game. Elaine Powell and Dominique Canty scored 11 points for Detroit, which had a 43-30 rebounding advantage.

The Shock had a 52-47 lead with 15:52 remaining before scoring 14 of the next 17 points over the next four minutes to pull away. Seven different players scored during the spurt, which gave Detroit a 68-50 cushion.

The Mercury remained winless on the road this season and extended their league-record road losing streak to 20 games. They have not won away from home since July 27, 2001.

Jennifer Gillom scored 20 points and Adriana Moses added 16 as Phoenix lost for just the second time in 10 all-time meetings with Detroit.