Auburn Hills, MI -- (Sports Network) - Plenette Pierson came off the bench to score 23 points and grab six rebounds, and the Detroit Shock held off the Connecticut Sun for an 88-82 win at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

Katie Smith pitched-in 17 points for the Shock, who won three of their last five overall. Cheryl Ford and Deanna Nolan each added 16 points, with Nolan chipping in eight assists. Kara Braxton also provided off the bench, finishing with 10 points and eight rebounds.

Asjha Jones scored 21 points to pace the Sun, who have lost three of their last four. Lindsay Whalen added 20 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, but the Sun made just 6-of-23 from three-point range.

The game was tight throughout, with Connecticut holding a five-point edge after the first quarter before Detroit steadily chipped away and grabbed a 63-61 lead heading into the final stanza. Thanks largely to an 18-for-22 performance from the free throw line, the Shock kept Connecticut at bay down the stretch and held on for the win.