ACC Volleyball Dominates in Latest AVCA Top 25 Rankings with Pittsburgh at No. 1

The Phoenix Mercury snapped a three-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon, defeating the Washington Mystics 88–72 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. With a full roster available for the first time all season, Phoenix displayed a cohesive and commanding second-half performance that overwhelmed the Mystics and reignited their postseason hopes. First-Half Friction: Phoenix Struggles to Find Flow Phoenix entered the game looking to reverse recent misfortunes and reestablish rhythm on both ends of the floor. A notable pregame adjustment saw center Natasha Mack inserted into the starting lineup, capitalizing on her length and mobility to counter Washington's strong interior presence led by Shakira Austin. Kathryn Westbeld’s return from illness also bolstered the Mercury rotation, giving the coaching staff more lineup flexibility. Washington looked sharper than in their previous loss to Phoenix. This time, the Mystics controlled tempo early by minimizing turnovers and attacking the paint. Their guards worked diligently to get Austin the ball in favorable positions, which paid off quickly — the Mystics shot 50% from the field and committed only two turnovers in the opening quarter. Despite a sluggish offensive start, the Mercury managed to keep the score close. Phoenix shot just 38.9% from the field and made only one three-pointer in the first 10 minutes, but strong rebounding and defensive rotations allowed them to trail by only two, 23–21, heading into the second quarter. Washington Holds Narrow Edge Heading into Break The second quarter offered a glimpse of Phoenix’s offensive potential, with Alyssa Thomas continuing her strong start by scoring eight points in the frame. Satou Sabally and Kitija Laksa also contributed timely baskets that helped balance the scoring load. Yet, the Mystics remained resilient, drawing fouls and converting consistently from the free-throw line while maintaining their interior focus. Washington's Jade Melbourne provided an unexpected scoring burst off the bench, finishing the half with 11 points. The Mercury trimmed the Mystics’ lead to four multiple times, but a handful of defensive lapses kept Phoenix from fully seizing momentum. At halftime, Washington led 46–42, with Austin posting 14 points and dominating the paint. Mercury Erupt in the Third Quarter The turning point came immediately after the break. Kiki Iriafen opened the third quarter with a quick bucket, and two early Mystics turnovers signaled a shift in momentum. Thomas orchestrated the Mercury offense with precision, finding Mack for an easy transition finish. Shortly after, Monique Akoa Makani connected on a three-pointer created by a defensive steal from Kahleah Copper. Phoenix's defense elevated to another level, holding Washington scoreless for more than three minutes and executing an 11–0 run. The Mercury emphasized interior scoring, leveraging quick drives and backdoor cuts to build a double-digit lead. Their aggressive offensive strategy earned them a dominant 40–26 advantage in points in the paint by the quarter’s end. Thomas continued to shine, ending the third period with a game-high 25 points on 11-of-15 shooting. Her versatility and composure kept the Mercury in control, and Phoenix entered the final quarter up by 10, 68–58. Closing the Door: Phoenix Locks Down for the Win Laksa’s three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter extended the Mercury’s lead to 13. Phoenix maintained its grip through balanced scoring and suffocating defense. Mack added a post-up finish after forcing a contested miss from Austin, while Thomas contributed key hustle plays that preserved momentum. Washington attempted a late push, narrowing the deficit to single digits with just under three minutes to play. However, Phoenix responded with timely stops and efficient possessions. Thomas crashed the glass for a second-chance basket, then set up Akoa Makani for an uncontested layup that sealed the outcome. The Mystics’ offense, which had started the game with promise, sputtered late. Brittney Sykes was held scoreless, and Washington committed 14 second-half turnovers that halted any chance of a comeback. Final Numbers and Key Performers Phoenix closed the game shooting 51.5% from the field, a dramatic improvement from their early shooting woes. From the second quarter onward, the Mercury hit 56% of their attempts. The Mystics, after a strong start, faded to 38.1% overall shooting. Thomas posted one of her finest all-around performances of the season, finishing with 27 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and a block — narrowly missing a triple-double. Sabally chipped in 15 points, and both Laksa and Akoa Makani contributed 13. Natasha Mack’s defensive presence and timely buckets added crucial depth. On the Mystics’ side, Austin led with 20 points and eight rebounds, but she was mostly neutralized in the second half, managing only six points after intermission. Melbourne’s 11 first-half points stood as her most impactful stretch. Momentum Moving Forward Sunday’s win was a pivotal moment for the Mercury, who finally saw their full roster operate cohesively. Their second-half dominance — outscoring the Mystics 46–26 — served as a statement that this team is far from finished. With improved chemistry and contributions across the board, Phoenix now looks to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against the Indiana Fever.

In a nail-biting finish at Barclays Center, the Los Angeles Sparks stunned the New York Liberty with a last-second basket to capture a 101-99 win on Saturday night. Rickea Jackson emerged as the hero, muscling in the game-winning layup at the buzzer, continuing her outstanding sophomore campaign. First-Half Firepower from the Sparks The Sparks came out blazing in the opening quarter, setting the tone with relentless offensive pressure. They converted 13 of their 19 shot attempts, including seven from beyond the arc, to build a commanding 35-20 lead. Jackson, who erupted for 17 points in the first quarter alone, was a dominant force early. By halftime, Los Angeles held a 58-45 advantage, powered by 10-of-18 shooting from three-point range. Their efficient scoring marked the beginning of what would be a record-setting night for the team. Jackson’s Clutch Night and Career Milestones Rickea Jackson finished the night with 24 points, including the decisive final bucket. She also matched her season high in made three-pointers with four, pacing the Sparks with nine field goals. The buzzer-beater not only secured the win but also helped Jackson reach the 100-assist milestone for her career. The 2023 second overall pick has rapidly become a core contributor for Los Angeles, and Saturday’s performance highlighted her growth and leadership under pressure. Plum Extends Her Shooting Streak Kelsey Plum added 20 points and distributed eight assists while hauling in four rebounds. She continued her league-best streak of games with at least three three-pointers, now reaching seven consecutive contests. The eighth-year guard has been a model of consistency for the Sparks and remains one of the top long-range threats in the league. Balanced Production Across the Roster Azurá Stevens and Dearica Hamby were instrumental in securing the victory. Each recorded a double-double — their eighth of the season. Stevens scored all 17 of her points in the second half while pulling down a game-high 11 rebounds. Hamby contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her 50th career double-double. Rae Burrell also delivered an impactful performance off the bench, scoring 12 points while achieving season highs in made three-pointers (2) and total field goals (4). Julie Allemand added 10 assists, matching her season best, and chipped in with six rebounds and four points. Los Angeles scored a season-high 39 made field goals and outpaced New York in the paint with a 54-44 scoring margin. Liberty’s Comeback Falls Short Despite trailing by 15 points early in the third quarter, the Liberty fought their way back. Sabrina Ionescu spearheaded the rally with 30 points, including a critical elbow jumper that tied the game at 99 with 23.1 seconds remaining. Natasha Cloud added 22 points, with 10 coming in the fourth quarter. The Liberty narrowed the gap with a combination of defensive pressure and fast-paced offensive execution, cutting the lead to as little as two in the final minutes. Azura Stevens’ layup with just over a minute left had given the Sparks a temporary 99-97 edge before Ionescu’s tying shot. But the final possession belonged to Los Angeles, and Jackson’s perfectly executed post move delivered the crushing blow to Liberty fans. Breanna Stewart Injury Casts Shadow New York suffered a setback early in the game when reigning MVP Breanna Stewart exited with a lower leg injury just three minutes in. Stewart had registered three points and a rebound before limping to the locker room. According to team sources, Stewart will miss at least four upcoming games but avoided a season-ending injury. Her absence significantly impacted the Liberty’s interior defense and rebounding against the Sparks’ aggressive frontcourt. Historic Offense for the Sparks This win marked the fifth straight game in which the Sparks have scored 90 or more points — the longest such streak in franchise history. Shooting 51.3% from the field and 40.7% from deep, Los Angeles has now posted four consecutive games shooting over 50%. It's the first time since 2016 that the franchise has achieved this feat and only the 21st time in WNBA history. What’s Next The Sparks (11-14) return home to face the Las Vegas Aces on July 29, looking to build on their historic offensive momentum. The Liberty (17-7), now dealing with injury adversity, will regroup before facing the Dallas Wings next.

The Atlanta Dream handed the Minnesota Lynx their first home defeat of the 2025 WNBA season with a 90–86 win on Sunday night, snapping a 14-game home winning streak at the Target Center. Powered by a season-high performance from Brittney Griner and efficient fourth-quarter execution, the Dream delivered a statement win that highlights their offensive potency and growing playoff ambitions. Griner and Canada Lead Efficient Atlanta Offense Brittney Griner set the tone with a dominant showing inside, posting 22 points in her strongest performance of the season. Griner was instrumental in anchoring Atlanta’s interior attack, while point guard Jordin Canada continued her consistent play with 18 points, directing the Dream’s offense with precision. Atlanta’s bench provided key support as well, with Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Allisha Gray each contributing 12 points. The Dream shot a scorching 71% from the field across the first, second, and fourth quarters combined, creating a tempo the Lynx struggled to match despite their own solid shooting night. Collier’s Late Surge Falls Short The Minnesota Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, made a late-game push that nearly erased what had been a double-digit deficit. Collier erupted for 13 points in the final frame, bringing her total to 32 points on 14-of-18 shooting. Her stat line also included eight rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and two blocks, marking another all-around performance in a stellar season. Despite Collier’s heroics, the Lynx were unable to fully overcome a gap that ballooned to 13 points midway through the fourth quarter. The team closed to within three points with just 11 seconds left, but Atlanta’s timely free throw sealed the game. Momentum Shifts and Defensive Gaps The contest saw distinct momentum swings. The Dream surged early, entering halftime with a 14-point lead, and then stumbled in the third quarter, shooting just 25% from the field. That lapse allowed the Lynx to cut the lead to just three points, igniting the home crowd and reintroducing the possibility of a comeback. However, Minnesota’s defensive breakdowns in the final frame allowed Atlanta to hit nine of their first ten field goal attempts in the fourth quarter. The Dream maintained composure and poise during high-pressure sequences, showing a maturity that bodes well for their playoff run. Key Performances and Supporting Casts While Griner and Canada stole the spotlight for Atlanta, the Dream's depth proved decisive. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough followed up her recent season-high with another efficient outing. Her ability to score off the bench has emerged as a vital asset for Atlanta during a stretch when bench consistency is often a playoff differentiator. In contrast, the Lynx relied heavily on Collier. While Alanna Smith (12 points), Courtney Williams (11), and Natisha Hiedeman (10) reached double figures, no reserve player made a substantial offensive impact. Minnesota’s bench was outscored and outpaced, contributing to the overall loss despite the team shooting 56% from the field. Without Collier, the team’s shooting percentage dropped to 48%, exposing a need for greater scoring balance. Historical Impact and Next Steps The loss marks the end of Minnesota’s franchise-record home winning streak, which stood as the fourth-longest in WNBA history. The Lynx had been undefeated at home across 14 straight games and carried significant momentum into the matchup. For Atlanta, the win improves their record to 15–10 and strengthens their position in the playoff standings. It also serves as validation for recent roster moves, including the high-profile additions of Griner and Brionna Jones. Atlanta now boasts one of the league’s deepest frontcourts, and their offensive cohesion continues to improve under head coach Karl Smesko. Minnesota, now 22–5, concludes its five-game homestand on Wednesday with a high-stakes showdown against the defending champion New York Liberty. That game will be the first meeting between the two 2024 WNBA finalists this season, and will serve as a critical test of the Lynx’s ability to regroup and respond to adversity. Outlook The Dream’s victory sends a clear message to the rest of the league: when operating at peak efficiency, Atlanta is capable of toppling even the best teams. With Griner back in elite form, Canada orchestrating the offense, and the bench finding rhythm, the Dream have all the tools to contend deep into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Lynx will need to recalibrate after a rare stumble at home. Collier remains one of the most dominant forces in the league, but Minnesota’s path forward will depend on diversifying its offensive contributions and tightening its perimeter defense. This game may ultimately mark a turning point in both teams’ seasons—Atlanta gaining momentum, and Minnesota refocusing its championship aspirations. One streak may have ended, but the race toward the playoffs is just heating up.

The Phoenix Mercury demonstrated their playoff aspirations with a dominant second-half performance that led to an 88-72 win over the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena on Sunday night. In a game that began with balanced scoring and high energy, the Mercury flipped the momentum after halftime and never looked back. First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle The opening quarter was tightly contested, with both teams trading leads and pushing the tempo. There were 10 lead changes in just the first period alone, and the Mystics managed to carve out a slim 23-21 lead heading into the second quarter, thanks to early production from Shakira Austin and Jade Melbourne. In the second quarter, Washington leaned into their interior play and capitalized at the free throw line. Austin and Melbourne continued to set the pace, combining for 25 points by halftime. Despite struggling from the three-point line—shooting just 2-of-9—the Mystics managed to hold Phoenix to 2-of-13 from deep as well. Paint points were key for both squads, but Washington's near-perfect 14-of-15 free throw shooting helped them secure a 46-42 halftime lead. Momentum Shift: Mercury Strike in the Third The third quarter marked a turning point. Phoenix emerged from the locker room with renewed focus and intensity, outscoring the Mystics 22-11 in the frame. During a critical stretch midway through the quarter, the Mercury launched an 11-2 run, fueled by five different players contributing buckets. A deep three-pointer from Lucy Olsen briefly narrowed the gap for Washington, but the Mercury quickly reclaimed control. Alyssa Thomas, who was relatively quiet in the first half, took over late in the third quarter. She scored nine of her 27 total points during the final three minutes of the quarter, while also collecting rebounds and distributing assists. Her efforts helped Phoenix surge to a 68-58 advantage heading into the final frame. Final Quarter: Mercury Lock Down the Win Phoenix opened the fourth quarter with a 10-3 burst, expanding their lead to 17 points. Kitija Laksa led the charge with six points early in the period.  Although the Mystics made one last push—highlighted by a 9-0 run and a deep three from Emily Engstler—the Mercury responded with another late 10-2 scoring run that effectively sealed the game. Phoenix’s success came from its depth and lineup flexibility. In addition to Thomas’s standout performance (27 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists), Satou Sabally added 15 points. Kitija Laksa and Monique Akoa Makani chipped in 13 points each, while Natasha Mack contributed 10 points. The Mercury showcased a balanced offense and gritty defense, especially during the decisive third quarter. Mystics' Bright Spots and Struggles Despite the loss, the Mystics had several standout performances. Shakira Austin continued her strong season with 20 points and 8 rebounds, marking her third 20+ point game of the season. She also tied her career high with four offensive rebounds and extended her streak of games with at least one block to seven. Sonia Citron added 13 points and moved into fourth place all-time in rookie scoring for the franchise. Jade Melbourne also impressed off the bench, posting 13 points, four assists, and a season-high three steals. Kiki Iriafen collected 10 rebounds, surpassing 200 career boards and becoming the youngest player in franchise history to do so. Emily Engstler’s season-high eight points, including two three-pointers, came in her 100th career game. Brittney Sykes, although scoreless, made an impact defensively with three steals, tying her season high. What’s Next With the victory, Phoenix improves to 16-9 and continues to hold a strong position in the standings as the playoff race heats up. Coach Nate Tibbetts has emphasized the importance of experimenting with lineups down the stretch, and Sunday’s performance reinforced the effectiveness of his strategies. The Mercury will look to carry this momentum into the remaining games of their road trip, where their versatility and depth will continue to be tested. Meanwhile, the Mystics, now 12-13, will aim to regroup quickly. They return to action on Tuesday night when they host the Chicago Sky. With playoff positioning still within reach, every remaining game will be critical for Washington’s postseason hopes.

The Las Vegas Aces (13–13) unleashed a high-octane offense and a relentless second-half surge to crush the Dallas Wings (7–19) 106–80 Sunday afternoon at College Park Center, snapping their two-game skid. The win also marked a historic moment for head coach Becky Hammon, who secured her 100th career victory as a WNBA head coach, making her the third-fastest to reach that mark in league history.  It was a day of celebration, dominance, and statement-making basketball as the Aces executed on both ends of the floor with surgical precision, leaving the Wings outmatched and outpaced. First-Quarter Fireworks Set the Tone The Wings, dressed in black uniforms outlined in blue and yellow-green , came out energized in front of their home crowd and matched the Aces blow-for-blow in the opening quarter. Arike Ogunbowale led the charge with her signature offensive firepower, scoring 8 of her 18 total points in the first frame. The Aces, meanwhile, took the court in their white jerseys with subtle gray outlines and relied on the hot hand of Jackie Young, who nailed four three-pointers in the first quarter alone. She finished with a team-high 24 points, along with eight assists and five three-pointers in total. By the end of the opening 10 minutes, the game was knotted at 27–27, hinting at what initially appeared to be a competitive matchup. A Breakaway Second Quarter The second quarter, however, told a very different story. The Aces began to assert their dominance with suffocating defense, quick transition plays, and expert three-point shooting. Kierstan Bell, who was inserted into the starting lineup in place of Jewell Loyd, delivered a career-best performance with 19 points and strong perimeter play. Loyd, adjusting to her sixth-woman role for the day, embraced the change with poise and added 20 points off the bench. The Aces closed the half on a 22–9 run, seizing a commanding 56–44 lead heading into the break. It was the second quarter where the Aces truly separated themselves, outscoring Dallas by 12 and completely shifting the energy of the game in their favor. Becky Hammon’s Strategic Masterclass Coach Becky Hammon made key mid-game adjustments that paid off, including tighter perimeter defense and aggressive offensive switches that confused Dallas’ backcourt. This victory marked Hammon’s 100th win as a WNBA head coach , placing her behind only Michael Cooper (124 games) and Van Chancellor (125 games) in fastest to the century mark. Her approach to empowering bench players and experimenting with lineup rotations paid off handsomely as the Aces' depth overwhelmed the Wings. Second-Half Avalanche The Aces didn’t let up in the second half. A’ja Wilson posted another double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists — showcasing her elite two-way skillset. Her physicality inside caused Dallas’ frontcourt trouble throughout the night. The Wings were held to just 38% shooting from the field and 21% from deep, while the Aces scorched the nets at nearly 49% overall and a blistering 42% from three-point range. Las Vegas also notched a season-high 30 assists, highlighting their exceptional ball movement and unselfish play. Teaira McCowan was one of the few bright spots for the Wings, finishing with 12 points and 13 rebounds in just 17 minutes. Rookie Haley Jones chipped in 15 points, continuing her streak of four consecutive double-digit games. But the Wings' effort fell apart in the final frame as the Aces dropped 33 points in the fourth quarter — the most Dallas has surrendered in any fourth quarter this season. Wings Missing Bueckers’ Spark Dallas continues to struggle without rookie standout Paige Bueckers, who missed her sixth game due to rest and injury management. Without her creative playmaking and scoring versatility, the Wings lacked cohesion on offense and suffered from stretches of stagnant ball movement. Head coach Chris Koclanes acknowledged the gap postgame, noting that Bueckers’ presence was missed on both ends of the floor. Looking Ahead Las Vegas, now back to .500 on the season, will look to build on this dominant performance as they head into a Western Conference clash with the Los Angeles Sparks later this week. Dallas, on the other hand, faces a daunting matchup against the New York Liberty on Monday. With the team now 1–5 without Bueckers, urgency is mounting to stabilize their season and salvage momentum during their current homestand.

CHICAGO — July 27, 2025 The Indiana Fever extended their dominance over the Chicago Sky this season with a decisive 93–78 road win at the United Center, led by a breakout performance from Kelsey Mitchell. The game, however, was notable for the absence of its two most marketable stars — Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — both sidelined by injuries. Despite the lack of fanfare surrounding the headliners, the matchup delivered a commanding showcase of Indiana’s offensive efficiency, veteran leadership, and roster depth. Mitchell scored a season-high 35 points, pushing the Fever (14–12) into sixth place in the WNBA standings and improving their record to 3–0 against the Sky this season. Mitchell Reaches Career Milestones Kelsey Mitchell was a force from the start, scoring 13 of the team’s 26 first-quarter points and finishing the night with 35 in just under 30 minutes. Her performance included seven three-pointers and a flawless 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Mitchell also reached several career milestones, becoming the first player in franchise history to notch 35+ points in under 30 minutes and logging her 100th 20-point game, second only to Tamika Catchings in team history. Adding to her stellar night, Mitchell tallied her 200th career steal and became the second WNBA player this season to surpass 500 points — a mark she achieved in just 26 games. This record pace surpasses the 29-game benchmark previously held by Clark in her 2024 rookie campaign. Balanced Effort Supports Star Showing Mitchell’s dominance was complemented by a well-rounded effort from the Fever’s rotation. Aliyah Boston continued her consistent play with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists — her 35th career double-double and 11th of the season. Off the bench, rookie Makayla Timpson posted a career-high 14 points while Chloe Bibby made her Fever debut with eight points and two rebounds in 10 minutes of play. Indiana's bench outscored Chicago's 37–18, capitalizing on the Sky’s injury-limited rotation. Aari McDonald added 10 points and four assists, while Lexie Hull contributed seven points and a buzzer-beater to close the third quarter. The Fever closed out the game on a 9–0 run in the final 4:41, maintaining composure after the Sky had trimmed a 16-point lead to just six in the fourth quarter. Mitchell stopped the surge with a clutch three and pair of free throws, extinguishing any hopes of a Chicago comeback. Sky Missing Star Power, Depth The Chicago Sky (7–18) entered the contest already struggling with a three-game losing streak and missing key players. Angel Reese sat out her second straight game with a back injury, and guards Hailey Van Lith and Michaela Onyenwere were questionable with ankle and knee issues, respectively. Additionally, Moriah Jefferson and Ariel Atkins remained sidelined with leg injuries. Despite the setbacks, veteran guard Rachel Banham led the Sky with 26 points, including six made threes. Kamilla Cardoso added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Kia Nurse chipped in 14 points. Rebecca Allen contributed 13 points, but turnovers and inconsistent defense allowed the Fever to control the game’s pace. Chicago committed 23 turnovers, which Indiana converted into 31 points. These giveaways, coupled with early scoring droughts, created deficits that the Sky were never able to fully overcome. Game Summary The Fever opened the game with a decisive 18–2 run to close the first quarter, finishing ahead 26–13. By halftime, Indiana held a 51–39 lead thanks to scoring surges from Mitchell, McDonald, and Boston. The third quarter saw Chicago mount a spirited rally, cutting the lead to 56–55 after back-to-back buckets by Nurse. Indiana responded swiftly with a three from Mitchell and a pair of baskets by Timpson. Hull's buzzer-beater sealed a 75–61 lead entering the fourth. Though the Sky briefly narrowed the gap again, they never threatened to take control. Indiana’s fourth-quarter poise highlighted the depth that has started to emerge in recent weeks, even without Clark on the court. Looking Ahead With the win, Indiana strengthens its playoff positioning in the crowded middle tier of the WNBA standings. The Fever next return home to face the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday, July 30, looking to continue their upward trajectory as the regular season enters its final stretch.  For Chicago, the loss adds to a growing list of frustrations in a season beset by injuries. The Sky will aim to rebound quickly and avoid falling further behind in the standings.

Tina Charles Powers Sun to Season-High 95 Points as Team Snaps Losing Streak Expansion Valkyries Suffer Worst Defeat of Inaugural Season UNCASVILLE, Conn. — July 27, 2025 The Connecticut Sun delivered their most complete performance of the season Sunday afternoon at Mohegan Sun Arena, overwhelming the Golden State Valkyries 95–64 to snap a four-game losing streak. Fueled by season-best scoring and defensive intensity, the Sun controlled the game from start to finish and handed the expansion Valkyries their most lopsided defeat in franchise history. The Sun, now 4–20, set multiple season highs including most points scored (95), highest shooting percentage (53%), and most steals (14). Connecticut's suffocating defense turned 24 Valkyries turnovers into 34 points, while the Sun's offense clicked across all four quarters — a rarity in what has been a challenging season. A Fast-Paced Start and Commanding Lead Connecticut fell behind 2–0 early after a bucket from the Valkyries, but a three-pointer from Saniya Rivers immediately turned the tide. That was the last time Golden State held a lead. The Sun went on to outscore the Valkyries 21–13 the rest of the first quarter, closing with a 23–15 advantage. In the second quarter, the Sun intensified their attack. A 7–0 personal run from Bria Hartley and five fast-break points from Jacy Sheldon ignited the crowd and extended the lead to 34–15. Although the Valkyries mounted a brief comeback to trim the lead to nine, Connecticut responded with poise, ending the half on a 9–2 run to take a 49–33 advantage into the break. Charles Dominates in Limited Minutes Veteran center Tina Charles turned in a stellar performance, tallying 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, adding six rebounds, two steals, and a block in just 19 minutes. Her impact was decisive, as she notched a game-best +39 plus-minus before sitting the entire fourth quarter. This outing marked the 185th time in her career she has scored 20 or more points — second all-time in WNBA history. It was also her 395th game reaching double figures, further cementing her legacy among the league's greats. Joining Charles in the scoring column were Bria Hartley and Marina Mabrey, who each contributed 15 points. Jacy Sheldon added 13 off the bench, while rookie Aneesah Morrow pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds in only her third start of the season. Valkyries Struggle Without Kayla Thornton The Valkyries, who entered the game 11–12 and pushing for a playoff spot in their inaugural season, were without All-Star Kayla Thornton for the second straight contest due to a season-ending knee injury. Her absence was evident, as Golden State lacked cohesion and leadership on both ends of the court. Iliana Rupert led the Valkyries with 13 points off the bench, while Veronica Burton chipped in 10. Golden State’s shooting woes continued throughout the game, finishing at just 33.9% from the field, a season low. The team never recovered from early defensive lapses and committed 24 turnovers, allowing Connecticut to dictate the pace from start to finish. Golden State’s defeat was compounded by the fatigue of back-to-back games, having played late Friday night in San Francisco and arriving in Connecticut on a red-eye flight Saturday morning. Connecticut’s Bench Steps Up in Blowout Connecticut’s bench contributed heavily to the victory, with 13 points from Sheldon and strong defensive effort across the board. The Sun closed each quarter with energy, pushing their lead past 30 points by the fourth quarter. The third quarter opened with an 11–0 run that left the Valkyries stunned and trailing by 25. Even when Golden State briefly cut the margin to 16, Connecticut answered with a 12–2 spurt to restore the advantage. From that point on, the game was well in hand. Looking Ahead The win marked Connecticut’s first against any of the league’s non-playoff teams or the Valkyries this season. It was a moment of reprieve in what has otherwise been a rebuilding campaign. The Sun return to action on Monday night to host the Seattle Storm at Mohegan Sun Arena, with hopes of building on this newfound momentum. Golden State, now 11–13, will regroup ahead of their next matchup and aim to stay competitive in the playoff hunt despite the absence of key personnel. They’ll look to bounce back in their next game as the second half of the season intensifies.