UCLA unwavering despite unable to upset Utah in 43-10 loss

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August 30, 2025

_RM58285 — Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News

Pasadena, CA – UCLA opened their season as an under the radar team despite having the number one transfer as their starting quarterback with a lopsided loss, 43-10, as majority expected Utah not to be upset on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

“A lot of stuff to learn from. Not the outcome that we wanted in the first game, but we just have to learn from this,” Coach DeShaun Foster said. “It’s not going to be easy, but one positive thing I can take away from this is the way they’re sounding in the locker room right now.”

UCLA won the coin toss and deferred to a Devon Dampier’s open drive performance as Utes quarterback made a far-seeing statement of him to be a nightmare for UCLA’s defense throughout the game. His playmaking abilities resulted in 3 out of 4 passes and scoring on their first drive in less than 5 minutes of the game for 75 yards, 11 plays, 7-0 advantage Utah.

Utah’s O line displayed a heroic performance to help their quarterback and team convert 14 out of 16 third downs. Utes had several players whom played on both sides of the ball where the defense seem to setup the offense with ideal field position while holding Bruins to only 50 offense plays. Dampier passed for 206 yards and two touchdowns plus a third touchdown on the ground.

“I’m not going to take anything away from him, he’s a great quarterback. Coming into the game, we knew he was something that we would have to focus on,” Utah’s cornerback Isaiah Chisom said. “Good players make plays. I think this game gives us a chance to see what we need to work on. Going into film tomorrow, and then practice, we know exactly what we need to work on.”

Utah finished with four sacks and snapped a four-game winning streak for UCLA season openers. Bruins appeared to find rhythm in their offense coming out of halftime and settled for a 46-yard field goal by K Mateen Bhaghani, his sole attempt, improving to 29-for-34 (85%) on field goals for his career, including 21-25 as a Bruin (84%).

Giving Bruins fans within the 35 thousand crowd hope and a reason to cheer for the home team as the score got within reach, Utah quickly responded with a nine minute 44 second drive led by Dampier finishing with a two-yard rush TD, 30-10.

“The fan base came out and showed their support. Obviously, we have to do our part and get them a win,” Nico lamaleava said.

“That’s all on us and we’re going to continue to get better throughout the year.”

Utes put up 463 yards of total offense, while Bruins finished with 305. UCLA’s committed just three penalties in the contest, for 30 yards.

“I think the score got us to be one-dimensional at one point, so that was tough. I was proud of the way they came and kept fighting,” coach Foster said. “There might have been a couple of long faces on the sideline, but for the most part most of those guys were still out there fighting and understood that what you’re putting on film now is actually who you are as a football player.”

Year two of the DeShaun Foster era at UCLA looked promising though an ugly loss with little glimpses of standout play, given Utah’s level of competition offers a team like the Bruins opportunities to grow early in the season with plenty of new faces on the field. Besides quarterback Iamaleava, who transferred into the program this offseason from Tennessee returning close to his hometown of Long Beach, Anthony Woods and Isiah Chisom made an impressive debut on offense and defense, respectively. Woods caught one touchdown and finished 3 of 3 for 48 yards.

“We just played a good team. That was it. We played a good team that came out and played their style of play,” coach Foster said. “I won’t take anything away from them. They were able to execute and do what they wanted to do out there on the field. We’ve just got to come back in, regroup and really just grade yourself and be hard on yourself. This isn’t going to be easy.”

UCLA travels to Nevada to face UNLV and Utah (1-0) hosts Cal Poly next Saturday.

Oregon tames the Bobcats

By

Jennifer Moore

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August 30, 2025

A1A01047 — Photo by Ben Ammon / fi360 News

Eugene, OR- The Oregon Ducks kickoff the season with a dominating victory over Montana State Bobcats 59-13. It wasn’t a shut out but the big plays to whoa the crowd was happening all throughout the game.

The Ducks quarterback Dante Moore who’s been waiting for the keys to this high-powered offense. Starting the season with 3 touchdowns for 213 yards on 18/23 pass with no interceptions. He did use his legs with 3 rushes for 18 yards to round out a successful start.

“I thought we had a simple plan and a plan we could execute at a high level. He went out there and executed it really well,” said Oregon coach Dan Lanning, “He (Moore) was sharp. He knew where to go with the ball, was decisive with reads, was able to make some checks,”

The defending Big Sky champions managed only 244 total yards against the Ducks defense. Looking at the film only being able to get 3/12 first downs on 3^rd down. Even though they played a clean game with no turnovers it wasn’t enough.

Bobcats quarterback Justin Lamson, who spent the last two seasons at Stanford, threw for 198 yards.

From the start of the game Oregon went to work on the ground with easy scoring 2 first quarter rushing touchdowns. Then the Bobcats woke up and at least held the Ducks to a field goal to slow the Ducks down.

The balance attacked displayed by the Ducks against the Bobcats program was spot on 253 Passing to 253 rushing. Moore at the controls stepped right in big shoes of NFL quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

Moore was able to spread the ball around to 10 different pass catchers that built his confidence as game progressed.

“But when you have great guys that can make contested catches, can make plays with the ball in their hands, it’s easier for the quarterback to put the ball out there,” said Moore. The Ducks just handled business as usual and next week will host Oklahoma St. on Saturday September 6^th. While the Bobcats will host South Dakota St Sat for a chance to get back to .500.

USC opens the season with a dominant 73-13 win over Missouri State

By

Eric Ramos

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August 30, 2025

usc83025-10963 — Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News

Los Angeles, Ca-USC finished with its highest scoring game since 1930 with a 73-13 win over Missouri State on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Nine players scored 10 touchdowns for USC and they scored on 10 of their first 11 drives without a punt.

Starting quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 295 and two touchdowns in the first half while running backs Waymond Jordan, Bryan Jackson and King Miller rushed for touchdowns.

“We were able to get a lot of different guys involved. We (also) scored off defense,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “ It was exciting to see. I anticipated that we would play something like this. It’s kind of what I’ve seen on the practice field. I expected we would come out and play well on all sides and be complementary, and we did that.”

After Missouri State got on the board first with a 44-yard field goal, USC drove down the field, led by running back Jordan who scored from five yards out to give USC a 7-3 lead with 6:58 left in the first quarter.

The Bears were forced to punt. On the ensuing drive, USC went down the field and scored on a Jackson 3-yard run to take a 14-3 lead in the first quarter.

USC would get the ball back and Maiava connected with tight end Lake McRee for a 64-yard touchdown in the second quarter. On the next drive, USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald intercepted Bears’ quarterback Jacob Clark and returned it 39 yards for a 28-3 lead in the second quarter.

Missouri State came right back with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Clark to wide receiver Tristian Gardner on 4th down to cut the Trojans lead 28-10. USC then took a 35-10 lead when Maiava scrambled 3 yards for a touchdown.

The Trojans got the ball back with just under two minutes left in the first half. On second and ten, running back Eli Sanders caught a swing pass and outraced the defenders for a 73-yard touchdown and USC took a 42-10 lead into halftime.

USC opened the third quarter with true freshman quarterback Husain Longstreet in for Maiava. The freshman quickly took over and led the Trojans to an 8-play, 75-yard drive that was capped by a Longstreet 5-yard touchdown run.

“We’ve got a lot of super-talented guys in the (running back) room and on the whole offense,” Sanders said. “So I was super-excited to see everybody do what they can do.”

Missouri State added a field goal before USC running back King Miller raced to the end zone for a 75-yard touchdown and a 56-13 USC lead in the third quarter.

Longstreet added his second rushing touchdown of the game to give USC a 63-13 lead in the fourth quarter. USC added a field goal and Longstreet threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Carson Tabaracci for a 73-13 lead in the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Trojans is a home matchup versus Georgia Southern on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Boilermakers Blank Cardinals 31–0 to Extend State Series Win Streak to Nine

By

Davyn Wright

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August 30, 2025

Ball State Cardinals vs Purdue Boilermakers AUG 30 — Ball State Cardinals vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 30, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WEST LAFAYETTE — Sophomore quarterback Ryan Browne made his first start of the season look like backyard football, finishing 18-of-26 for 311 yards, tossing two touchdowns, and adding another on the ground as Purdue rolled over in-state rival Ball State, 31-0. The win marked the Boilermakers’ ninth straight over the Cardinals, stretching a series lead that now sits at 9-0.

Browne wasted no time setting the tone in the first half, finding wideout Arhmad Branch on three big hookups for over 100 yards and a touchdown. Their early chemistry lit up the Ross-Ade crowd, especially when Branch turned a 49-yard strike into six on Purdue’s opening drive. The ground game joined the party too, with Devin Mockobee punching it in to start the second quarter, capping a bruising 13-play drive that chewed up nearly five minutes of clock.

Ball State Cardinals vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 30, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Ball State showed a little spark when running back Que Ashley broke free for a slick 20-yard run, giving the visiting fans something to cheer about. But third downs were a nightmare — the Cardinals managed just 1-for-6 in the half, while Purdue’s defense stood on business. By halftime, Ball State barely cracked 100 total yards while Purdue stacked up over 225 with a balanced attack. Special teams got in on the fun too, with Purdue’s punter pinning the Cardinals deep all night, flipping field position and fueling a 21-0 lead at the break.

The second half didn’t require much more from the offense, though Browne kept cooking with his second touchdown pass, a strike to Michael Jackson III in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the defense kept the clamps on, holding Ball State to just 203 total yards. Senior defensive back Tahj Ra-El led the charge with seven tackles and one for a loss, setting the tone for a unit that didn’t give up an inch.

After the final whistle, head coach Barry Odom celebrated his first win at Purdue but kept things grounded. “We made steps in the right direction,” Odom said. “We’re nowhere near a finished product.”

For Purdue, it was a statement opener — clean, balanced, and dominant in all three phases. The Browne-to-Branch connection looks like it might be the real deal, and with the defense flying around, the Boilermakers gave their fans plenty to believe in for Year One of the Odom era. Purdue stays home next week to face Southern Illinois, while Ball State heads south for a tough road test at Auburn.

Devin Mockobee diving into the end zone during between Ball State Cardinals vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 30, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Sparks sweep shunned with Fever loss, 76-75 after chilling clutch play of Odyssey Sims

By

Charle' Moore

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August 29, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Los Angeles Sparks came into this matchup leading the series, 3-0 against the Indiana Fever amid various roster changes from both teams, but the difference maker this last regular season faceoff between the two teams was Odyssey Sims, former Sparks player whom scored the last five points for the Fever to beat the Sparks, 76-75, Friday night at Crypto Arena, avoiding series sweep.

Sims didn’t speak much before or after the game on her feelings about returning to her previous team’s home court just that “she’s moved on” though her emotions seem to show on the court, scoring 21 points and celebrating a key three-pointer to tie the game in the last few minutes.

“Odyssey had a great game, tip your hat to her,” coach Lynne Roberts said after the game about playing against some of her former players. “Shay Peddy did a good job too.”

Los Angeles forward Azura Stevens grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled on a putback attempt with 31.6 seconds left. She made 1 of 2 free throws to put Sparks up by one point, 75-74.

“They only had 13 in that [third] quarter, so it wasn’t like that was where we lost the game. But the pace was really fast in that first quarter both ways. I did think the ball got a little sticky in the second quarter…,” Coach Roberts said. “We’ve been a lot better than tonight. Indiana did a great job, and we had 56 field goal attempts, they had 81. And so for us to only lose by one, it’s actually pretty statistically amazing. We shot the ball well. We just gave them too many chances. And I think that’s what the game comes down to.”

Indiana secured an offensive rebound on its next possession and Sims made a short-range floater in the middle of the lane to retake the lead with 13.6 left.

After a timeout advance the ball for Los Angeles, Rickea Jackson initiated the critical play from a dribble hand off before the play broke down and Jackson found Kelsey Plum, who fumbled the pass and loss control of it to Aliyah Boston.

Still the Fever gave Sparks another opportunity when Kelsey Mitchell missed two crucial free throws with 0.4 seconds left but Los Angeles unable to make a play towards the basket as the buzzer sounded off signaling the end of the game.

Fever received multiple opportunities off Sparks 22 turnovers despite holding one of Fever’s top scorer Mitchell below her average 20.7 points to 12 points. Fever were without multiple players including All-Star guard Caitlin Clark (right groin). Boston led the Fever with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and a career-high six steals.

“To me, I don’t know if this answers your question, but the game just comes down, as I always say, to chances,” coach Roberts said. “They had 15 offensive rebounds, and we had 22 turnovers, and we struggled with those two things earlier in the season.”

Stevens scored 17 points, shooting 6 for 9 from the field while Plum and Rae Burrell each added 12 points. Dearica Hamby scored 11 points but had six turnovers while looking ahead on how her team can go forward after this gut-wrenching loss.

“One game at a time, we got Sunday [against] Washington, trying to split the series with them,” Hamby said “We can kind of still control our own destiny. We can go 5-2 and make a shot at this, so [the mentality is] turn the page and keep going.”

Los Angeles (17-20) plays again as mentioned against the Mystics after tonight’s loss puts them two games behind Golden State for the final spot in the playoff race. Indiana (21-18) moved ahead of Seattle (21-19) for sixth place in the league standings with five games remaining.

Colorado can’t keep pace with GT

By

DeVaughn Townes

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August 29, 2025

Boulder, CU- Once the clock ticked 0:00 the Colorado Buffaloes had dropped the 2025 season opener to the visiting Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 27-20. Despite three turnovers by the Yellow Jackets the Buffs could not capitalize.

We all know who Haynes King is now after he led Yellow Jackets in rushing with 156 yards, 3 touchdowns with 8.2 yards per carry from the quarterback position. King also threw for 143 yards completing 13/20 passes.

Georgia Tech Haynes King (10) scrambles for a fourth quarter touchdown against Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Friday August 29, 2025. Georgia Tech won by a score of 27 to 20. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Colorado did strike first on the scoreboard to start of with 7-0 1^st quarter lead on 8-yard touchdown pass from Kaidon Salter to DeKalon Taylor. But that would be Salter only touchdown pass of the day.

“We just got to go out there and we just got to be better, practice. Practice how we play. It starts at practice. We got to start practicing better and execute and bring it all to the game.” said Salter.

The Yellow Jackets out gained the Buffs, 463 yards to 305 in total yards. Yellow Jackets 320 yards rushing yards as a team out gained them Buffs in total. Even with the yard difference the game was tied 20-20 until 1:07 left in the game.

Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter (3) attempts to get out of grasp of Georgia Tech lineman in the second quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Friday August 29, 2025. Georgia Tech won by a score of 27 to 20. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

King put his stamp on the game at the end after a shaky start using his legs on 45 yards scramble touchdown run that gave his team 27-20 lead that was the final score and the victory.

It was a difference from last year team where the Buffs did have some success on the ground rushing led by Micah Welch who on 11 carries rushed for 64 yards.

“So proud of the football team, proud of these guys that, you know, we couldn’t have played worse in the first half,” said Colorado coach Dieon Sanders, “You know, self-inflicted errors, three turnovers in the first three drives, penalties, you know, bust on different things. You know, allowed to score early on that first drive.

Colorado Head Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders checks the clock just before halftime against Georgia Tech at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Friday August 29, 2025. Georgia Tech won by a score of 27 to 20. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

The sold-out Folsom Field energy was high and it looked like the were ready for this new look Colorado team. The defense will have to get in the film room and be ready for better showing next week when Delaware comes on September 6^th.

San Diego State football takes Stoney Brook out back

By

Jennifer Moore

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August 28, 2025

San Diego, CA – Behind a career night from running back Lucky Sutton, San Diego State rolled to a 42-0 shutout over Stony Brook in Thursday’s season opener at Snapdragon Stadium.

Sutton rushed for a career-high 100 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Aztecs dominate from the opening drive. SDSU outgained the Seawolves 453-95 in total offense and forced six three-and-outs, building a 20-0 halftime lead that quickly turned into a rout.

“Proud of the effort from the guys tonight, said SDSU head coach Sean Lewis, “Grateful for the first step and to get the first win.”

The victory was historic on multiple fronts: it was SDSU’s first shutout at Snapdragon Stadium, the program’s first overall since 2019, and its largest margin of victory in a shutout since 2016.

Quarterback Jayden Denegal, making his first start in Scarlet and Black, threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, connecting with nine different receivers. His 25-yard strike to Jacob Bostick put SDSU up 14-0 early, while Sutton added scores in the first and third quarters to seal the game.

The Aztecs defense was equally dominant, holding Stony Brook without a snap across midfield until the fourth quarter. Owen Chambliss and Tano Letuli led the charge with five tackles apiece, as SDSU’s front constantly disrupted the Seawolves offense.

“Yeah, I mean we again to our standard and the way that we wanted to do right, like anytime you can put up a goose egg up there is a big deal.” said Coach Lewis.

The Aztecs rushed for 228 yards on 53 carries, extending their streak to 58 wins in the last 60 games when surpassing 200 yards on the ground. Alongside Sutton, Christian Washington and Parker Threatt added late touchdowns to close out the win.

With the shutout secured, SDSU (1-0) now turns its attention to a tougher test on the road. The Aztecs travel to Washington State on Sept. 6, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. PT on The CW.

Sparks stumble and fall to Mercury 92-84 behind Thomas triple double

By

Charle' Moore

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August 26, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Rickea Jackson fought hard Tuesday night through a tough game, helping her team on their home floor in Crypto Arena compete for nearly three quarters before taking an awkward stumble and Los Angeles Sparks fell to Phoenix Mercury 92-84 behind All-star point forward Alyssa Thomas’ record breaking single season seventh triple double.

“It was physical and I think those are probably really hard games to officiate,” coach Lynne Roberts said. “Playoffs are coming, and people are like, ‘we’re scrapping for our lives’, and they’re playing hard. We’re all playing for something and the intensity’s up.”

Thomas raised her Mercury teammates up with dishing 31 assists in their last two games while breaking her own record set in 2023 with her 18th career triple-double, scoring 12 points, snatching 16 rebounds and sharing the ball for 15 assists.

Thomas’ teammate Kahleah Copper praised her teammate for being an opponent’s matchup nightmare.

“She’s [Thomas] doing this every night. She’s tough to guard. She can do it all,” Cooper said. “You really want to try to take away her vision because she can pass.”

Sparks defense attempted to contain Thomas holding her to one point at halftime and only two field goals but down the stretch she scored at will to reach double figures, recording more history as the first WNBA player ever to post at least 10 points, 15 boards and 15 assists.

Speaking less about his team’s superb unselfishness on offense with five players in double figures, Mercury coach felt his team defense slacked at the end of the game.

“I think we allowed them to get to the line too much,” coach Nate Tibbetts said.

Mercury defense held Sparks to one of their lowest points games of this season scoring under 90. Kelsey Plum battled Kahleah Copper all night, shoving and jawing at one another on various plays.

“We did a good job. [We were] forcing some turnovers, getting some steals, and then we turned it right back over,” Coach Roberts explained. “Trying to play too fast. In the half court, it was okay. We didn’t shoot great from three. I think that’s where the difference in the game is. They went 11-for-25, we went 7-for-24, everything else is about the same.”

Plum eventually found her rhythm late in the game at the charity stripe going a perfect 4-for-4 to reach 20 points off 50 percent field goal percentage. Plum leads the league with most 20 points game and at least four assists, six more than New York Liberty Sabrina Ionescu.

“I think in the second half, we were able to get back into the rhythm and I think where it hurt us the most was just transitioning,” Azurá Stevens said. “For [the Mercury], they got a lot of points in the first half, but in the second half, we were able to clean that up.”

Jackson and Dearica Hamby carried the offensive load for Los Angeles, both scoring 13 apiece at halftime. Hamby finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and five steals. Jackson amassed 21 points, nailing four triples and now at least three triples in four consecutive games for the first time in her career off a 57 percent shooting behind the arc.

“We all want to win and I won’t apologize for that, but I’m not [going to] blame the officiating, we gotta fight through things and have that toughness to us,” coach Roberts said.

Satou Sabally led Mercury with 19 points, tallying 12 of them in the first quarter. Copper added 18 points while two other Mercury players came off the bench to reach double figures, DeWanna Bonner and Sami Whitcomb, 14 and 17, respectively.

Los Angeles Sparks (17-19) have two more home games to wrap up this month, Friday against Indiana Fever and Sunday versus Washington Mystics that they need to win, giving them any chance of extending their season and making the playoffs. Meanwhile, Phoenix (23-14) secured their playoff standings as a fourth-place team.

Plum at the Buzzer wins the battle

By

Jevone Moore

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August 20, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks take the win at the buzzer, on a floater from the paint by Kelsey Plum for 81-80 over Dallas Wings.

“It was a back and forth game,” said Plum, “As a player you gotta believe in yourself.”

Kelsey Plum took over in the 4^th as court a general and a scorer, taking the load off Rickea Jackson who carried the team for 3 quarters. But Paige Bueckers would not let her team go away quietly.

Bueckers led the Wings with 44 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. She was the Dallas
Wings today and her box office skills on display. She scored the most points in the game, but it wasn’t enough.

Jackson scored 25 points with 6-7 from 3-point land to led the team, along with Plum dropping 20 points with the most important 2 for the win.

“It was a good win, yeah we gotta play some fucking defense!” said Plum

The game intensity picked up in the 4^th quarter and you could see how much each team wanted this win. The lead kept changing back and forth, basket for basket. Even a few hard fouls by the Wings and Sparks.

The Paige Bueckers effect was real at Crypto.com Arena, you could see #5 Wings Jersey all over the crowd but it really showed in the second half when she was on Jumbo-Tron and crowd went crazy with cheers.

Just a few minutes later Bueckers made an And1 to push the Wings 58-57 lead with 2:45 in 3^rd quarter. If your eyes were closed you would think we were in Dallas.

The Sparks opened the game out of sync keeping the fans on their feet for most of the 1^st quarter before they could score a basket. Finally, at 4:52 mark on the clock Jackson hit a three pointer from the corner making the score 11-3.

Jackson’s 3-pointers single handily helped Sparks keep pace with her 11 points in the first quarter of play. At the end of 1^st quarter, Sparks had pulled ahead 18-16 to catch back up.

The Sparks had matched the Wings energy and took 7-point lead into half 44-37.

Both teams the Wings and the Sparks both are on the outside looking in at the top 8 teams that are on pace to make the 2025 playoffs. Wings are 8.5 games out while the Sparks after the most recent run are only 1 game back from the 8^th spot.

Next up the Wings will travel home to host the Seattle Storm on Friday August 22^nd. The Sparks will host Mercury on Tuesday August 26^th.

Valkyries can’t keep pace with the Mercury

By

Trisha Victorio

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August 19, 2025

_TMV2975 — Photo by Trisha Victorio / fi360 News

San Francisco, CA – Phoenix Mercury’s savvy veteran Dewanna Bonner drained a double clutch jumper to ice a 98-91 victory over the home team Golden State Valkyries.

“Finishing possessions, rebounding… not letting the physicality disrupt us too much,” were all points of emphasis for a better outcome provided by Valkyries star Veronica Burton after the game. The fourth year guard contributed 24 points and 14 assists, while also going a perfect 10-10 for good measure. Veronica’s performance was however topped by Kalea Coopers efficient 25 point performance.

Going into the second half of the game Golden State held a 59-47 lead over Phoenix, however that lead would quickly dissipate in the following quarter. The Valkryie would end up going an abysmal 6-24 in the 3rd quarter, which included 5 missed layups, leading to an only 5 point lead during the start of the fourth.

The Mercury were able to win in the margins during a back and forth end to the game. Nothing emphasized the difference in finishing possessions than the last 3 minutes as Dewanna Bonner was able to grab an offensive rebound that led to 2 extra points for Alyssa Thomas, followed up by Valkyries big Fagbenle missing a wide open layup to finish a perfectly ran pick and roll.

Starters Carla Leite and Kate Martin combined for an inefficient 10-31 night. Martin, could claim a big chunk of those misses as the known sharpshooter found herself finishing the game shooting 4-16 from the three point line.

“We got to fight. That’s it, we got to fight,” said the talented rookie Janelle Salaun during her post game wrap.

Luckily for the Valkryies they get a second shot at giving the “fight” to the Mercury on Friday August 22. Look for the Valkyries to try and stop their recent 2 game skid as there is less room for error during this end of season playoff push.