LOS ANGELES, CA- The Dallas Wings fall to 5-4 of the season after Tuesday night’s loss to The Los Angeles Sparks 93-91. Isabelle Harrison led the Wings with 20 points and 8 rebounds off the bench in just 24 minutes of playing time. She was followed by both Marina Mabrey and Arike Ogunbowales 16 point game.
Sparks forward Brittney Sykes had an outstanding performance for Los Angeles as she led her team in the first half of the game with 25 points and 6 assists in the 27 minutes played. Dallas was shooting just 42.9% from the field and 54.5% from the free-throw line by halftime. While their opponents were shooting at 69.0% from the field and 76.9% at the line. The huge percentage difference showed within the score as LA was up by 12 at the half.
Dallas started the second half with explosive energy on the court as the team went on a 9-3 scoring run, minimizing the lead to 6 points. The Sparks quickly capitalized on the Wings creeping back into the game with Lexi Brown’s 24-foot three-point jumper, followed by Brittney Skye’s jumper in the paint to bring the game within 9. LA Sparks lead at the end of the third, 73-65.
Coach Vickie Johnson entered Satou Sabally and Veronica Burton into the game in hopes to bring more length on the court, to which Sabally quickly responds by scoring 7 points within 5 minutes. Forward Isabelle Harrison ran the floor with 17 points and 5 boards within 19 minutes of the bench. The Wings take the lead halfway through the 4th quarter, giving this Dallas team their first lead of the night.
Sparks Nneka Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes respond with back-to-back layups after being sent to the line, Sparks back up within 2 minutes left to play. Dallas refused to let the game go and continued to fight their way with back-to-back three points made by both Sabally and Harrison. Wings down by 2 with 5.5 seconds left.
An offensive foul called on Brittney Sykes forces a turnover, handing the ball right back to the Wings. Ogbunbowale was sent to the line where she misses the first free throw, and delays the second shot, giving the ball back to the Sparks with 0.4 seconds left on the clock.
Sparks win 93-91.
