July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi #9 being guarded by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara #21 during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. LAFC Section 3252 at the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
Los Angeles, CA – LAFC forward Carlos Vela collected a loose rebound and sent a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner for a 2-0 lead in the 38th minute.
Los Angeles would hold to defeat Portland FC, 3-2, in a wild shootout on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. The black and gold advanced to the semifinals.
“The Sunday game they tried to defend really well in the middle of the pitch,” Vela said. “Today, there was more spaces to receive the ball and make good chances.”
In the 33rd minute, LAFC took a 1-0 lead after Vela’s cross into the box was attempted to be headed away by Timbers’ David Guzman but the ball went into his own net.
July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela #10 at the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
Portland got on the board with Julio Cascante’s header in the second minute of stoppage time. Guzmans’ free kick found Cascante as he slipped behind the LAFC defense to cut the lead before halftime, 2-1.
“We find ways to do things to keep everybody on the edge of their seat,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “We had less control tonight, less possession tonight, but we were dangerous.”
Costa Rica native Marco Urena gave Los Angeles a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute after he re-directed a shot from Jordan Harvey into Portland’s net.
July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla #27 charging for a ball during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
A minute later, Dairon Asprilla dribbled past three defenders and sent a ball across the face of the goal that went to the left side. Portland defender Vytautas Andriuskevicius came in and fired a shot into the back of the net to cut the lead, 3-2.
“I’m so happy because I’ve been waiting for a long time,” Urena said on his goal. “My first game I got the injury and it was tough. It means a lot to me and I could feel the support from the guys.”
July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC midfielder Lee Nguyen #24 on ball during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller was tested early but came up with back-to-back saves to keep the game scoreless. Dairon Asprilla got inside the box and fired a shot but Miller dove to make the save. The ball came right back to Asprilla who’s first-touch shot was blocked by Miller.
Vela said he feels they are close to winning a title and are working hard to be there and win it.
“This team dreams high,” Vela said. “I’m happy to be here and help my teammates.”
July 18, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Portland Timbers midfielder Cristhian Paredes #22 after the defeat in the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 18, 2018. Jevone Moore
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – When the community that raises you with love and reproof you can’t help but give back. That’s what Hayes Pullard III from Crenshaw High has been doing the last four years, giving back to the community.
This year football camp was attended by over 300 youth from the age 6-17 at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienga Park. Pullard brought our former teammates from his communities Crenshaw District, Crenshaw High, USC Trojans and new Los Angeles Chargers family.
Each year with Pullard faithfulness he has grown his event and has aligned with some great sponsors / partners to make this an event the kids will never forget.
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
This year Los Angeles Lakers youth foundation stepped up again to help with some warm-ups drills to wake the campers muscles up. Then Pullard’s group of peers kicked in with the mentality they attack everything they do.. GUSTO – Grind Until Success Triumphs Odds –
“I love you guys (campers) so much,” said Pullard, “All the folks I brought out here to coach you guys are Alpha Males.”
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
A new addition to the camp was Sports Academy and their partner Next Up. So there were additional collegiate athletes getting an up close look at how being a professional on the next level.
So not only did the young campers get some training, the collegiate also some learning in too.
Pullard will be competing himself in few weeks for a starting linebacker spot with the Chargers. This will be his 4th season in the NFL fulfilling his dream and giving back at the same time.
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
To keep up with Hayes Pullard III you can go to www.pullard.com/
4th Annual Hayes Pullard Football Camp at Jackie Robinson Stadium at Rancho Cienega Park on July 14, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Brittney Griner blocking Candice Dupree shot early in the first half of the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
WNBA 2018: Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, In – The Phoenix Mercury get their 15th victory of the season at the expense of the Indiana Fever. It took four quarters for them to pull away from the Fever in 101-82 victory.
Every team knows that when you come to Bankers Life Fieldhouse you better be ready for a game. Their record does not fully tell who this gritty team is lead by few Vets with mostly rookies finding their way.
Mercury center Brittany Griner took over the paint and the game leading all scores with 36 points and 12 rebounds.
Brittney Griner shooting over Kelsey Mitchell during the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
“We had four paint points in the second half,” Pokey Chatman said. “You can’t do that. I want to give them credit, but I thought we had to make one more pass, penetration and the kick, to get a little closer, feed the paint.
The Fever was led by Candice Dupree 23 points, 9 rebounds to allow her team to hang around for three quarters.
“We just have to be able to sustain it,” Dupree said. “We did that for three quarters. And then in the fourth, I think we just let up a little defensively and settled on offense. We just have to piece it together.”
Dupree also moved into third on the WNBA’s all-time made field goals list, passing Tamika Catchings. She has now make 2,394 shots in her career.
Diana going to basket during the Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 15, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Teams who watch the film know that playing for the full 40 minutes is the hard part for the Fever to do.
So next up for the Fever they will Face off with another giant in a few days as they look to get that next victory.
July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC defender Steven Beitashour #3 on ball during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola
July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela #10 going up high during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola
Los Angeles, CA – LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller made a big save on Sebastian Blanco’s close-range blast in the 70th minute and finished with six saves.
Miller’s sixth shutout of the year led to LAFC and Portland playing to a scoreless draw on Sunday at the Banc of California Stadium.
“I can still find something I can improve on,” Miller said. “That’s just how I am but it felt nice to have a good game today and continue to build on what I did last game. Now, we just have to keep it going.”
July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
Los Angeles FC goalkeeper Tyler Miller #1 ready in the goal during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola
In nine matches at home, LAFC remains unbeaten but were shut out for the first time in club history. The Black and Gold sit at second place in the Western Conference standings with 35 points.
“Overall I thought we did a lot of good things,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “They are a team that is dangerous in transition and we did a solid job of handling that.”
This was the Timbers sixth shut out of the season. LAFC was averaging 2.27 goals per game entering the match.
LAFC had the ability to create big chances but just could not finish. Carlos Vela’s header inside the box went straight to the goalkeepers hands in the 94th minute. This was Vela’s first start since returning from the World Cup.
July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola
“I tried to create something for the team but today was very difficult,” Vela said. “They play with a lot of players in the middle so it was really hard to find spaces for the ball.”
Midfielder Lee Nguyen earned a red card after a high tackle on Blanco. Moments later, Tyler dove to the ground for the save after a dribbling Diego Valeri got passed several defenders inside the box.
LAFC and Portland finished scoreless in the first half. Both teams had their chances to score but the Timbers got five shots on goal. Portland failed to convert on two miscues by the black and gold’s defense.
In the fifth minute, Portland had a chance for the opening goal after Valeri stripped Feilhaber but Tyler made the stop on Valeri’s shot.
July 15, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing #7 on the move during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Portland Timbers at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on July 15, 2018. Rick Gurrola
Adama Diomande missed a scoring opportunity after he fired a one-touch shot off a scoop pass from Joao Moutinho in the 31st minute. Portland keeper Jeff Attinella just got enough on it to turn it over the top of the crossbar.
Both teams have a short turnaround as they meet again on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal at the Banc of California Stadium.
Dallas Wings forward Kayla Thornton #6 on the break during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA -The Los Angeles Sparks streaky season continues. They snapped a three-game losing streak with an overtime win over Seattle on Tuesday.
Dallas outscored the Sparks in the second half and guard Skylar Diggins-Smith scored 22 points to put Sparks back under the losing column with a 92-77 victory on Thursday at the Staples Center.
“We weren’t quite as sharp in the second half,” Sparks coach Brian Agler said. “We didn’t do a very good job on second-chance points. Offensively, we turned the ball over and we weren’t aggressive in the second half.”
Dallas Wings guard Skylar Diggins-Smith #4 during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The Wings went on a 21-7 run in the fourth quarter to drop the Sparks behind Dallas in the Western Conference standings and 2.5 games back from first place Seattle.
Sparks fought back in the first half after trailing, 21-19, in the first quarter. Riquna Williams drained back-to-back three pointers to cut the Wings’ lead, 35-31. Candace Parker scored nine of her 16 first-half points in the second quarter to lead the Sparks to a 50-48 halftime lead.
Dallas lost leading scorer Liz Cambage in the second quarter due to her arguing a call. Instead of capitalizing on Cambage being out, the Sparks regressed their aggressiveness and Dallas made shots.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Odyssey Sims #1 in the paint during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“They changed their matchups and we didn’t play inside out,” Angler said. “I like the way we came back in the first half but obviously we are all disappointed with the outcome of the game.”
Williams made a 3-pointer with 7:52 remaining to pull the Sparks within one at 71-70. Then, Dallas took control of the game, out scoring the Sparks, 23-12, in the fourth quarter.
Parker led the Sparks with 21 points while Williams finished with 16 points. Nneka Ogwumike added 12 points for the Sparks.
Dallas Wings center Elizabeth Cambage #8 running over Jantel Lavender during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 12, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Ogwumike said with Cambage being out, Dallas capitalized on their mismatches.
“They switched their offense,” Ogwumike said. “We didn’t really respond well to that.”
Cappie Pondexter going to the basket during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Sylvia Fowles looking to pass during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis, IN – The paint was were the Minnesota Lynx began to beat up on the Indiana Fever today at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana could not match the Lynx aggressive play losing 87-65.
“We needed to match their sense of urgency early. But we didn’t do that,” said coach Pokey Chatman, “It’s tougher still when you do that against a veteran, experienced team.”
The Fever just beat the Lynx at the home last week playing good defense and stopping their ball movement. Ball movement and knocking down shots was another key to the Lynx lopsided victory.
Sylvia Fowles lead all scorers with 20 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assist for a complete state line.
Victoria Vivians sweeping past Maya Moore during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
After the Fever began to crash down to the paint on defense the Lynx began to kickball out and make shots. As a team they tallied a season-high 29 assists on 33 field goals to shoot 51.6% from the field.
“They crowded the paint on me a lot and I got some open looks to our guards on the perimeter,” said Fowles, “When they knocked down shots they made sure they got me back inside.”
Erica Wheeler lead the Fever off the bench with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assist and rookie Kelsey Mitchell scored 11 points.
“Everything is all about defense,” said Wheeler, “Once we get our defense down, we’re pretty good.”
Cappie Pondexter pulling up during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Fever did make one hard 11-0 run in second quarter to bring game to 31-27, before Lynx answered with their own 10 run to restore order.
The midseason veteran addition of guard Cappie Pondexter to the Fever has been helpful she scored 9 points in 23 minutes of playing time.
Maya Moore ready for the pass during the Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on July 11, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The other super Lynx Maya Moore scored 19 points, and pull down 9 rebounds in this win.
Now Indiana will fly to Atlanta to face the Dream Friday night and look to get their next victory.
Most coveted national coaching award honors scholarship, leadership and integrity 20 coaches in consideration, representing the ACC, Big 10, Big 12, Mountain West, Pac-12, SEC and Notre Dame
ATLANTA (July 10, 2018) –The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl today released the preseason watch list for the 2018 Dodd Trophy. This list includes 20 of the nation’s top college football coaches representing all Power 5 conferences along with the Mountain West and Notre Dame.
The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.
The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, taking into consideration each program’s graduation rate, commitment to service and charity in the community, projected success for the 2018 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).Coaches in the first year with their current team are ineligible to receive The Dodd Trophy.
“The Dodd Trophy distinguishes itself from other coaching awards due to the high standards used to determine potential candidates,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “This is the most-coveted coaching award because it looks beyond rankings, wins or losses, and measures the overall impact these coaches have on their players, universities and communities.”
“This list includes a renowned group of individuals who truly embody the principles Bobby Dodd adhered to, such as scholarship, leadership and integrity,” said Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl CEO & President Gary Stokan. “We look forward to seeing which of these coaches set themselves apart from the rest of the pack as the 2018 season unfolds.”
James Franklin Penn State (fi360 News)
Clay Helton USC Trojans (fi360 News)
David Shaw Stanford Cardinals (fi360 News)
Chris Petersen Washington Huskies (fi360 News)
The coaches on The 2018 Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List include:
Coach
School
Conference
Paul Chryst
Wisconsin
Big Ten
James Franklin
Penn State
Big Ten
Justin Fuente
Virginia Tech
ACC
Mike Gundy
Oklahoma State
Big 12
Jim Harbaugh
Michigan
Big Ten
Bryan Harsin
Boise State
Mountain West
Clay Helton
USC
Pac-12
Tom Herman
Texas
Big 12
Brian Kelly
Notre Dame
Independent
Gus Malzahn
Auburn
SEC
Urban Meyer
Ohio State
Big Ten
Will Muschamp
South Carolina
SEC
Gary Patterson
TCU
Big 12
Chris Petersen
Washington
Pac-12
Mark Richt
Miami
ACC
Lincoln Riley
Oklahoma
Big 12
Nick Saban
Alabama
SEC
David Shaw
Stanford
Pac-12
Kirby Smart
Georgia
SEC
Dabo Swinney
Clemson
ACC
Of the 20 coaches on the watch list, five are previous winners of the Dodd Trophy, including David Shaw (2017), Nick Saban (2014), Dabo Swinney (2011), Chris Petersen (2010) and Gary Patterson (2009). Additionally, four of the coaches were finalists for last year’s award, including Swinney, Paul Chryst, Mark Richt and Kirby Smart. The SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 all tied for the highest number of representatives on this year’s watch list with four coaches from each respective conference.
Additional watch lists – adding to or narrowing the field – will be released throughout the fall. A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2018 season. The winner of the 2018 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Week.
Starting in September, the Dodd Coach of the Week Award will also be presented weekly to the coach whose program embodies the award’s three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity, while also having success on the playing field during the previous week.
TheDoddTrophy.com
@DoddTrophy
About the Dodd Trophy The Dodd Trophy was established in 1976 to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field. The award honors the coach of a team which enjoys a successful football season, while also stressing the importance of academic excellence and character, as did Coach Dodd’s teams during his 22 years as head football coach of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Coach Dodd remains one of college football’s legendary figures, both as a coach and a player. Coach Dodd was a native of Galax, Virginia, and played his college ball at the University of Tennessee where his team had 27 wins, one loss and two ties during the three years he played. Coach Dodd was selected to the National College Football Hall of Fame both as a coach and as a player. Additional information about the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation can be found at www.TheDoddTrophy.com. For news, updates and insider information, follow us on Twitter at @DoddTrophy or find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/DoddTrophy.
About the Peach Bowl, Inc. Peach Bowl, Inc. operates the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, one of the New Year’s Six Bowls selected to host the College Football Playoff. This past season, the Peach Bowl celebrated its Golden Season, including its 50-year history of traditions and successes as the nation’s ninth-oldest bowl organization. The Bowl has earned a reputation as one of the most competitive bowls in the country, with 54 percent of its games being decided by a touchdown or less. Peach Bowl, Inc. has disbursed $240.5 million in team payouts over its 50-year history. Peach Bowl, Inc. also leads all other bowl game organizations in charitable and scholarship contributions, giving more than $31 million to organizations in need since 2002. Peach Bowl, Inc. also runs the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Challenge charity golf tournament, manages The Dodd Trophy national coach of the year award and led the relocation and financial foundation of the College Football Hall of Fame to Atlanta. For more information, visit Chick-fil-APeachBowl.com or follow us on Twitter at @CFAPeachBowl and find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CFAPeachBowl.
Arlington TX – The Dallas Wings remember vividly losing to the Phoenix Mercury at home in the final moments of an overtime game last month. They were determined to compete until the final buzzer Tuesday night, but no one could’ve predicted the total domination that resulted in a 101-72 victory.
“I showed them the last five minutes of our last game against Phoenix and how we let it slip away,” says Coach Fred Williams. “They got motivated by watching that film.”
Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi made the game’s first basket, a quick second shot and then she exited to the locker room with an unexplained illness. Her team definitely missed her on-court leadership, but Dallas was too much for even a complete Phoenix team Tuesday night.
For the fourth time this season, the Wings scored 100 points. This doubles their previous franchise record for a season. Center Liz Cambage was all smiles, as her team cruised to the victory. Cambage’s 13 points makes this her 19th consecutive game with double digit scoring.
Aerial Powers and Azura’ Stevens led a powerful bench performance for the Wings, scoring 18 points and 15 points respectively. Powers showed off her quickness and ball-handling skills throughout the Tuesday night rout, getting to the basket with relative ease. Stevens continues to improve in her rookie season, becoming more and more of a go-to offensive force for Dallas.
Skylar Diggins-Smith played just under 30 minutes and scored a team high of 20 points. She also had four assists and three steals.
Phoenix star Brittney Griner scored 21 points, but only had three rebounds for her team. Wings’ forward Glory Johnson challenged her for a great portion of the night, pulling down a team high – nine rebounds.
Dallas’ victory advances them in league standings, currently tying them with the defending champion Minnesota Lynx for fifth place.
Before returning to Dallas next Tuesday, the 11- 8 Wings have two tough road matchups against the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike #30 during the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Washington Mystics guard Elena Delle Donne #11 going right at Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 during the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles, CA- The LA Sparks are used to winning streaks, but they are trending in a different direction. The Sparks fell to the Washington Mystics 83-74 on Saturday afternoon. Los Angeles has now lost 3 in a row.
“I think we just have to do something that feels good,” said Candace Parker, “I think that’s the key to making our offenses flow and making our defenses, you know, I think we’re best when we’re aggressive defensively.”
It was a special night for Washington head coach Mike Thibault, who earned his 300th career regular-season win. He is the first coach in the WNBA to accomplish such accolade.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike #30 on jumper during the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“It just means I’ve been at it for a long time,” said Thibault, “It’s a nice number, but the only number I care about is that we’re the last team standing.”
LA Sparks once again had to battle a slow first quarter start but a strong second quarter helped the Sparks take a 35-30 lead into halftime. Los Angeles held Washington to 11 points in the 2nd quarter.
In the second half, the Sparks had a difficult time defending the pick and roll, giving up too many uncontested baskets. Also, for the game, the Mystics were able to get to off 35 free throws, converting 32 of those attempts. LA was 12-13 from the line.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Odyssey Sims #1 eyeing space in the paint at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“[It’s] huge. Free throws are indicative of how we play defensively,” said Alana Beard, “They wanted it more and were being more aggressive in that sense, so it played a huge role.”
LA Sparks Chelsea Gray had a game 23 points on 10 of 14 shooting. Nneka Ogwumike had another double-double with 22 points and 13 rebounds.
Washington has now won 6 out of its last 7 games, while Los Angeles has lost 5 out of its last 6.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 during the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
The Mystics were lead by Kristi Toliver who had 18 points, making all 13 of her free throw attempts. LaToya Sanders contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds.
“LA is tough. They present different looks throughout the game,” said Toliver, “Nothing was consistent; they always kept you on your toes, read the defense, and make plays.”
The LA Sparks (12-8) will now travel to Seattle for their next game against the Storm Tuesday afternoon.
Washington Mystics guard Elena Delle Donne #11 battling for ball with Nneka Ogwumike during the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 7, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Arlington Tx – If Dallas Wings center Liz Cambage grew tired Tuesday night – the crowd couldn’t tell. Cambage dominated the Chicago Sky from start to finish, scoring a career high 37 points, as the Wings routed the Sky 108 – 85.
Coming off of the Sunday night loss to Minnesota, the Wings were determined to rebound against a struggling Chicago team. The Sky, in desperate need of a win – played very aggressive team ball to start the game and never let the first half score get out of hand. The biggest lead for both teams was only five points.
Chicago forward Diamond DeShields scored 15 first half points on five of nine shooting. She was definitely the aggressor for the Sky and is to be credited for keeping her team competitive. Allie Quigley contributed 10 points for the Sky, nailing half of her attempts.
Dallas Wings center Liz Cambage going up strong. (Photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
The Wings star point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith did not attempt a single shot in the first half, but her presence was definitely felt.
“She (Diggins-Smith) was really getting a feel for the game in the first half,” said Coach Fred Williams. “She kept her teammates involved and was then able to run some patterns in the second half.”
While Diggins-Smith was very quiet in the first half, Cambage was well on her way to a career night. At the half Cambage had already scored 21 points and pulled down five rebounds.
Veteran Glory Johnson returned to the starting lineup Tuesday night and had a stellar first half. Her nine points in just under 15 minutes of play kept things interesting for the Wings on offense. Dallas had several offensive contributions in the first half, overshadowing the absence of a Diggins-Smith shot attempt, however, their lead was only 51 – 49 at halftime.
The second half was a very different story for Diggins-Smith. She attempted 12 shots and made eight – three from long range. Cambage wasn’t done either. The long and very quick center scored seven times on eight second half shot attempts and posted another 16 points.
“I think she’s learning how to position herself more,” added Williams about Cambage. “Each game she gets better.”
Cambage celebrated her first 30-point night as a WNBA player. Diggins-Smith’s second half efforts made for her seventh 20 point game of the season. The Wings’ 26 team assists are the most assists for the team thus far this season.
With the victory, Dallas is now 8 – 8 and looking to add another victory against Indiana on Thursday.
