WNBA: Ogunbowale scores 30 in Dallas Wings win over Connecticut Solar
The Dallas Wings (17-14) defeated the Connecticut Solar (21-10) for the second recreation in a row on Friday night, getting 30 factors from Arike Ogunbowale and 16 offensive rebounds as a workforce in a lopsided 95-75 victory. The 2023 regular-season sequence between the Wings and Solar concludes with two wins for every workforce.
Although the Wings have had an up-and-down August—they’re now 3-3 through the month with a near-even internet score of minus-0.6—Friday’s recreation was an indeniable excessive level, and one of many Wings’ most full efforts of the season.
Connecticut notoriously has been one of many WNBA’s hardest locations to play over time, however Dallas shrugged off any potential highway woes, hitting the 90-point mark for the thirteenth time this season whereas holding the host Solar to 38 p.c taking pictures from the sphere. Of explicit be aware was the fourth quarter, which Dallas gained convincingly, 29-12. It had been a back-and-forth recreation up till then with eight lead adjustments, however the Wings distanced themselves from the Solar when it mattered most, turning a detailed contest into a way more snug one in a matter of minutes.
Wings’ success over Solar exhibits season-long progress
In a approach, the Wings’ margin of victory on Friday represented their progress over the course of the 2023 WNBA season. They scored simply 74 factors of their first matchup in opposition to Connecticut again in June, however carried out a lot better in a July rematch that seemed like a win till the Solar made a late comeback.
Most not too long ago, although, the Wings have had the Solar’s quantity. Dallas thwarted an identical comeback try final week, main Connecticut for the complete second half in a 91-81 victory, and as soon as once more closed with conviction on Friday, pummeling the Solar to the tune of 52 factors within the paint. The Wings’ frontcourt depth was invaluable. Facilities Teaira McCowan and Kalani Brown mixed for 28 factors and 13 rebounds (seven offensive), whereas ahead Natasha Howard posted a well-rounded line of 13 factors, eight rebounds, 4 assists and three steals.
One other Arike scoring present
After all, it was Ogunbowale who placed on the most important present. The three-time All-Star was scorching-hot from lengthy vary, pulling down a career-high seven 3-pointers, and was environment friendly with the basketball total, taking pictures 11-for-20 from the sphere and recording 4 assists in opposition to two turnovers. It was the third time this season Ogunbowale has gone for 30 or extra factors. She did it in her ordinary heavy taking part in time, solely sitting for simply over one minute in the complete recreation.
The Wings now sit 4 video games behind Connecticut for third place within the WNBA standings with 9 video games remaining, though they’ll want some exterior assist in the event that they’re going to make a transfer. The Wings have video games in opposition to the Washington Mystics (15-16) and the Minnesota Lynx (15-16) of their instant future.
The Solar will tackle the Chicago Sky (12-19), the Mystics and the New York Liberty (25-7) of their subsequent handful of video games.
