NEW YORK (AP) — Marina Mabrey scored 15 points to help the Connecticut Sun end New York’s eight-game winning streak with a 72-64 victory over the Freedom Saturday night.
Mabrey, who was acquired by the Sun just before the Olympic break, provided an offensive spark off the bench. The win moved Connecticut (22-8) 2 1/2 games behind New York for first place in the WNBA standings.
It was the Sun’s first win over New York (25-5) this season in four tries. Connecticut was playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Sun beat Chicago at home on Friday night and have won three straight.
Connecticut took control in the third quarter, extending a two-point halftime lead to seven by the end of the period. The lead increased to 66-53 on the scoreboard. Olivia Nelson-Ododa‘s shot came with 5:45 left. New York scored the next five points but could not get any closer.
Things got tough in the last 30 seconds when DiJonai Carrington He opposed a lack of Jaylyn SherrodCarrington and Sherrod were assessed double technical fouls on the play.
Breanna Stewart He had 15 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Liberty.
Sabrina Ionescu He returned to New York after missing the last two games with a neck injury. He struggled offensively, scoring 12 points and shooting 3 of 13 from the field. The Liberty are still without point guard Betnijah Laneywho is getting closer to returning after undergoing knee surgery just before the Olympic break.
The Liberty took an early lead, but Connecticut rallied behind Mabrey to take a 40-35 lead late in the first half. The Sun were helped by tough shooting by the Liberty, who missed 12 of their first 13 3-pointers. Ionescu hit a deep 3-pointer just before halftime to make it 40-38 at the break.