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Pondexter leads the way as East beats West

Jul 23, 2011 - 10:49 PM San Antonio, TX (Sports Network) - New York Liberty guard Cappie Pondexter tallied 17 points with seven assists as the Eastern Conference topped the Western Conference, 118-113, in the 13th annual WNBA All-Star game at AT&T Center.

Seattle forward Swin Cash recorded game highs of 21 points and 12 boards en route to MVP honors in a losing effort.

"I really don't think it's about me. We all had fun tonight, because the All- Star game is just about coming out and enjoying yourself and I thought we did that," Cash, the two-time winner, said when asked how she was able to elevate her play above the rest. "I'm just happy to be here. I want to thank all the fans of the WNBA, my family, and everybody who traveled across the country to support the WNBA."

Indiana sharpshooter Katie Douglas -- who sank the go-ahead three-pointer late in regulation -- and Tina Charles each clocked in with 15 points while Angel McCoughtry posted 10 rebounds for the East, who notched their first victory since 2007.

Essence Carson tallied 13 points and Renee Montgomery poured in 12.

Rebekkah Brunson poured in 20 points and nine rebounds for the West, which saw Diana Taurasi of Phoenix and Liz Cambage each score 13 in a losing cause.

Taurasi's layup with 1:19 on the clock snapped a 111-111 deadlock, but Douglas drained a trey -- her third and final of the contest -- inside a minute remaining to give the East a 114-113 edge.

Douglas added a pair of free throws with 16.2 seconds remaining, then after hometown selection Becky Hammon traveled, Pondexter's bucket sealed the victory.

The West led 36-33 after one quarter and held a slim 66-65 advantage at the break. Taurasi hit three times from beyond the arc but her team combined to connect for just 7-of-29 from long distance.

The East connected on 50.5 percent from the floor (46-of-91) and 16-of-34 from beyond the arc.

Last season's game featured an altered format, as Team USA topped a collection of league all-stars by a 99-72 count as Mohegan Sun Arena. Sylvia Fowles of Chicago was named most valuable player.