Phoenix defeats Toronto: Two former Lady Vols combine for 29 points

The Phoenix Mercury secured a decisive 101-69 victory over the Toronto Mystics on August 29 at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The matchup marked the teams' final games of the WNBA season before the league's break for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, which will run from Monday until September 16. Nearly 11,700 fans attended the event to see the conclusion of the season.

Two players from Tennessee's Lady Vols program contributed significantly to the win. Isabelle Harrison, who played for the Lady Vols between 2011 and 2015, led the scoring with 16 points in 27 minutes of action. Her shooting form was impeccable, sinking 5-of-15 field goal attempts and 6-of-7 free throw attempts. Harrison's impact was not limited to scoring; she also delivered a double-double, accumulating 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block.

Martina Suárez, the Mercury's other contributor, was listed as questionable and recovering from a concussion prior to the game. Despite her health concerns, she played 17 minutes and contributed with 13 points. Suárez shot 5-of-8 from the field, made 1-of-2 three-point attempts, and converted 2-of-3 free throws. She also added three rebounds and a block to her performance. Suárez, much like Harrison, had a connection to the Lady Vols; she played for the team from 2020 to 2023.