NEW YORK — Pauline Astier scored 16 points and made two free throws with 8.8 seconds left to seal the New York Liberty's 75-68 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night.

The Liberty improved to 5-4 with the win, while the Mercury fell to 2-7 in their fifth consecutive loss. Both teams struggled offensively early, combining to miss their first eight field goal attempts. The Liberty led 34-31 at halftime after a low-scoring first half.

New York pulled ahead late in the third quarter, holding a 54-52 lead with one minute remaining before going on a 13-5 run over the next four minutes to lead 67-57 with 6:59 left in the game. During that stretch, Jonquel Jones blocked Kahleah Copper’s shot, and Astier immediately threw the ball down the court to Rebekah Gardner for a layup.

Phoenix responded with an 8-0 run to close the gap to 67-65 with 3:16 remaining. Astier ended a scoring drought for the Liberty with a driving layup to restore a two-score lead. Monique Akoa Makani hit a 3-pointer with 46 seconds left to bring the Mercury within 71-65.

Alyssa Thomas recorded a steal on the ensuing possession, giving Phoenix a chance to tie. DeWanna Bonner missed a 30-foot 3-point attempt that would have tied the game, and Astier secured the win with two free throws with 8.8 seconds on the clock.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 13 points for the Liberty. The team outrebounded Phoenix 40-23 but committed 19 turnovers, which the Mercury converted into 22 points. Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 16 points, 14 of which came in the second half after she missed her first seven field goal attempts.

Satou Sabally returned to action for the Liberty after missing Wednesday’s game due to illness. She came off the bench midway through the first quarter and played 10 minutes, scoring four points in her first game against her former team. Sabally signed with New York as a free agent in the offseason after leaving Phoenix.