SEATTLE — Jewell Loyd scored 18 points, Nneka Ogwumike added 15 and the Seattle Storm finished their preseason schedule with an 85-59 rout of the Phoenix Mercury at Climate Pledge Arena.
Seattle took command of the game with a 14-2 run to end the first quarter with a 28-16 lead.
The Storm's lead grew to 28 points a number of time, the last one at 70-42 midway through the fourth quarter.
Skylar Diggins-Smith handed out five assists to go along with nine points.
Storm rookie Nika Mühl finished with six points, three rebounds and two assists in almost 20 minutes.
Phoenix was led by 10 points from Diana Taurasi, all in the first half as none of the Mercury starters played after halftime.
Former Washington State Cougar Bella Murekatete is looking for a spot on the Phoenix roster. She scored four points in just under 10 minutes.
Seattle opens regular-season play next Tuesday at home against the Minnesota Lynx, tipping off at 7:00 p.m.
