Robert Morris vs Utah St (Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News)
LOGAN, Utah — Utah State shook off a sluggish first half to claim a 36-14 victory over Robert Morris in its season opener Saturday night at Maverik Stadium. The Aggies, trailing 14-10 at halftime, erupted in the second half, scoring 26 unanswered points to secure the win.
Quarterback Bryson Barnes led the Aggies resurgence, throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 88 yards and another score. Spencer Petras added 145 passing yards and a touchdown.
Utah State’s offense totaled 646 yards, with running back Robert Briggs Jr. contributing 88 rushing yards and wide receiver Kyrese White leading all receivers with 131 yards and two touchdowns.
Robert Morris vs Utah St (Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News)
“We knew we had to come out strong in the second half,” Barnes said. “Our defense stepped up, and we executed better on offense.”
Robert Morris capitalized on Utah State’s early struggles, taking a 14-10 lead into the break. The Colonials managed just 362 total yards, and were held scoreless in the second half by a stifling Aggies defense.
In the second half, Utah State’s defense clamped down, forcing multiple punts and keeping the Colonials at bay. Linebackers Jon Ross Maye and Jordan Vincent each recorded 10 tackles, while John Miller added six.
Robert Morris vs Utah St (Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News)
“Adjustments were key,” Utah State interim head coach Nate Dreiling said. “The defense really set the tone, and our offense followed suit.”
Jalen Royals added 77 receiving yards and a touchdown for the Aggies, while Robert Briggs Jr. showcased his versatility with 38 receiving yards in addition to his rushing total.
Robert Morris vs Utah St (Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News)
Utah State next faces a tough challenge as they travel to play USC on September 7 for late start 8pm pst kickoff.
San Diego, CA- Who is Marquez Cooper, ask Texas A&M-Commerce defense who allowed him to smash for 223 yards on the ground with two touchdowns in San Diego State Aztec opening win 45-14 at Snap Dragon Stadium.
Cooper jumped in the hole on 3rd & 2 and raced 47 yards to endzone in third quarter and gave the Aztec a 10-6 lead. The run set up 21 points explosions.
Photo by Rashard Griffin / fi360 News
“Well we found away a way to play better, much better the second half,” said San Diego State coach Sean Lewis, “Really happy to get a win.”
Transfer receiver Louis Brown IV showed why San Diego St was his destination, he caught a 44 yard over the shoulder catch from Danny O’Neil. Brown led all relievers with 91 yards with 3 catches.
O’Neil successfully completing 22 out of 33 passes, accumulating a total of 214 yards and contributing two touchdowns. His performance was a testament to his preparation and his ability to synchronize effectively with his receivers.
Photo by Rashard Griffin / fi360 News
Texas A&M Commerce quarterback Eric Rodriguez did throw for 105 yards on 14/20 with a touchdown and an interception. They tried to run the ball but EJ Oakmon had 8 carries for only 30 yards but he did reach the endzone in the first half.
“It’s a lot better to clean up a win verse a messy loss,” said Lewis, “Penalties are things we can control and clean up.”
Photo by Rashard Griffin / fi360 News
This victory not only set a high tone for the season but also showcased the remarkable talents of two key players: quarterback O’Neil and running back Cooper. Furthermore, the strategic insights of Head Coach Sean Lewis played a significant role in harnessing the full potential of his team.
Next Saturday the Aztec will host Oregon State here at Snap Dragon Stadium for 7pm kickoff. Texas A&M Commerce will travel to UC Davis to face the Aggies at 7pm.
UC Davis vs Cal (Photo by Jeremi Massey / fi360 News)
Berkley, CA- Cal defense took center stage behind Cornerback Nohl Williams returned a short kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown that gave Cal a 14-13 lead with 4:32 left in the half. He showed up with few pass break ups and an interception to aid in 31-13 victory.
The Bears shutdown UC Davis Aggies in the second half scoring not even a single point. This was a tale of two halfs.
UC Davis vs Cal (Photo by Jeremi Massey / fi360 News)
“In the first half, we had good effort but, boy, our execution was lacking,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox said. “We were not in any kind of rhythm. I didn’t feel great”
Cal’s did have a nice effort from running back Jaydn Ott who scored two touchdowns on 14 carries before limping off the field and not returning to the game.
UC Davis vs Cal (Photo by Jeremi Massey / fi360 News)
The Bears were out gained 304-281 total yards by the Aggies, and not really finding an answers on 3rd down only making 2/13 first downs. Wilcox will need to get this answered fast as they enter this new era of ACC football.
Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza making his first start for the Bears threw for 158 yards with a single touchdown connecting with Nyziah Hunter. Hunter was one of his top targets who had 4 catches for 47 yards.
If Ott is out for an extended point this season Mendoza will be called on to be better then 15/22 from his debut. He did spread the ball around with 7 different Cal ball catchers.
UC Davis vs Cal (Photo by Jeremi Massey / fi360 News)
UC Davis playing catch up tried to ride quarterback Miles Hasting who threw 3 interceptions that didn’t help advance the offense. He did throw for 221 yards competing 24/48.
CJ Hutton led the aggies with 7 catches for 68 yards but didn’t find the endzone.
“It’s really a tale of two halves. To be ahead a point at half, we were fortunate. A lot of lessons to learn.,” said Wilcox said, We just have to be that much better next week.”
UC Davis vs Cal (Photo by Jeremi Massey / fi360 News)
The Bears will travel to face Auburn for prime-time game at 12:30pm looking to move to 2-0. The Aggies will host Texas A&M-Comm who lost to San Diego St opening.
EUGENE, OR – The No. 3 Oregon Ducks entered the 2024 season with a new quarterback, new conference, and a tremendous amount of hype, and leave the first week 1-0 after Dillon Gabriel and the now members of the Big Ten Conference Oregon Ducks defeated the Idaho Vandals 24-14.
Following a quick score on their opening drive, the Ducks found themselves in a closer game than most expected where the absence of injured starting right guard, Matthew Bedford, was massively felt. The Ducks struggled to get the run game going most of the night and allowed three sacks, one of which was a sack fumble before the half where Oregon led 14-0.
EUGENE, OREGON – AUGUST 31: (Photo by Ric Tapia/fi360news)
Oregon’s offense completely stalled out in the third quarter, failing to score any points in their three possessions and turning the ball over twice on downs. After stopping Oregon running back Jordan James on 4th and inches, Idaho quickly made it a one score game following a reverse pass flea-flicker where quarterback Jack Layne found tight end Jake Cox for a 36-yard touchdown bringing the score to 14-7.
Idaho had a chance to shock the Nation late in the fourth quarter when they found themselves trying to stop Oregon from converting on fourth down again, trailing this time by only 3 points. Instead, Gabriel was able to find Tez Johnson for his second touchdown of the night, bringing the score to its final at 24-14.
After the game Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning stated that it was “different than what we thought it might look like… we didn’t create some of the explosive plays I was hoping we could create offensively”
EUGENE, OREGON – AUGUST 31: (Photo by Ric Tapia/fi360news)
Despite struggles from the offensive line and a lack of big yardage plays, Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel posted an impressive passing stat line in his Oregon debut where he finished 41/49 for 380 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Although the final score tells a different story, the Ducks dominated most aspects of Saturdays game. Most noticeably, Tosh Lupoi’s defense held Idaho to only 49 yards rushing, forced two turnovers, and stopped the Volunteers 10/12 times on third down.
EUGENE, OREGON – AUGUST 31: (Photo by Ric Tapia/fi360news)
Oregon will host Boise State on Saturday, September 7th at 7:00pm.
Indiana State Sycamores vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 31, 2024. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
West Lafayette, IN- College football is back, and in West Lafayette, excitement reached a fever pitch as fans poured in to watch the Purdue Boilermakers face off against the Indiana State Sycamores. This matchup marking only the seventh meeting between the two teams, brings a chance for Purdue to build on their dominant 56-0 victory over Indiana State in their last encounter in 2022.
After winning the coin toss, Purdue opted to put their defense on the field first against the Sycamores, a decision that quickly proved wise. The Boilermakers’ defense stood firm, forcing Indiana State into a three-and-out on their opening drive. This early success gave Purdue momentum and energized fans eager to see the improved offense, led by returning starter Hudson Card.
Indiana State Sycamores vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 31, 2024. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Hudson Card, in his second season as the Boilermakers’ signal-caller, displayed comfort and confidence in the pocket, leading the offense with precision. He opened the game with a perfect 5/5 passing, culminating in a touchdown to Max Klare for Purdue’s first score of the season. Card’s early performance set the tone for an offense firing on all cylinders.
Though Max Klare may have been Hudson Card’s favorite target, the quarterback spread the ball around throughout the first half. Jaron Tibbs and De’Nylon Morrissette each caught their first collegiate touchdowns, an exciting milestone for both players.
We all know the saying, “Defense wins championships, but offense puts butts in seats.” This game had a mix of both. Purdue’s defense dominated, holding Indiana State to under 100 total yards. On the offensive side, the connection between Hudson Card and Max Klare was key, with Klare hauling in four catches for over 60 yards by halftime. Card was nearly perfect, completing 17 of 18 passes for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns. On a positive note for the Sycamores, they moved the ball down the field but missed a field goal as time expired before halftime. They also forced a fumble, recovered by Garrick Ollendieck.
Indiana State Sycamores vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, August 31, 2024. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The start of the second half mirrored the first as Purdue wasted no time asserting dominance. Despite it being early in the season, everything seemed to favor the Boilermakers. Hudson Card, having the best game of his career, masterfully orchestrated the offense with back-to-back scoring drives to open the third quarter. The highlight was a stunning 31-yard touchdown pass to Leland Smith that electrified the stadium. This marked Card’s fourth touchdown of the day, contributing to his record-setting performance. He finished 24-of-25 passing for 273 yards, achieving a 96% completion rate, tying the FBS record set by Georgia’s Greyson Lambert in 2015.
Purdue coach Ryan Walters praised his offensive line for their stellar job in protecting the quarterback during the game. When asked about Hudson Card’s impressive performance, Walters expressed no surprise. “I’m not surprised because he’s been doing this since spring ball,” Walters said. He emphasized how much more comfortable and confident Card has become, not only in executing the offense but also in embracing his role as the team’s quarterback and leader.
Indiana State Sycamores vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on ,August 31, 2024. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Boilermakers showed no signs of first-game jitters, dominating from start to finish on both sides of the ball and in special teams. Early in the fourth quarter, Elijah Jackson’s 69-yard touchdown run further demoralized Indiana State, extending the lead to 42-0. Shortly after, a blocked punt gave Purdue a short field, leading to their final score and sealing a convincing 49-0 victory.
As a former Indiana State Sycamore football player, it was tough to watch, but major congratulations to the Boilermakers on their opening win. Up next for Purdue is a bye week before their highly anticipated, sold-out game against Notre Dame on September 14th.
North Dakota Marcus Sheppard (10) grabs ahold of Colorado Travis Hunter (12) attempting to tackle Hunter in the first quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Thursday August 29, 2024. CU won by a score of 31 to 26. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
BOULDER, CO -Fans were Shoulder to Shoulder in Boulder to see Coach Prime and his Colorado Buffalos kickoff their much anticipated second season, and it took off with a bang .
After the Buffs defense held North Dakota State to a feild goal putting North Dakota St up 3-0.
Colorado Shedeur Sanders (2) collects the snap in the third quarter against North Dakota State University at Folsom Field. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Shedeur Sanders behind a much improved offensive line had the passing game clicking from the start. On his second pass of the first drive he found Travis Hunter on a comeback route, he sent one defender to the turf and the other gasping for air as he blazed by to the end zone 41 yard touchdown to put the Buffs up 7-3.
“You have to take what they going to give you,” said Coach Prime, “I’m going to sleep really well tonight.”
Hunter who had 7 grabs for 132 yards and a hattrick of touchdowns looked every bit of the player my son plays with on NCAA 25 which he dons the cover. With each catch being more spectacular than the last.
North Dakota State University Cam Miller (7) looks for an open receiver while scrambling in the second quarter against Colorado at Folsom Field. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller and the Bison answered back with a 5 minute drive with a 7 yard touchdown pass to Joe Stoffel to put NDSU up 10-7.
After the kickoff and what seemed the very next play, Shedeur found Jimmy Horn Jr who races across the middle like a cheetah took it to the house 69 yards untouched. This was Shedeur second touchdown pass that took all of :44 seconds to put the Buffs up 14-10.
NDSU had no quit in them, the 17 time National champ had more in the tank. Their offense had another long drive ending in score by quarterback Cam Miller with a 7 yard rush TD in the second quarter to put the Bison up 17-20.
Their game plan worked the first 2 quarters to keep the Buffs high powered offense off the field with NDSU leading the time of possession 20 minutes to the Buffs five minutes and going in the half with the lead.
But the stars of the night were Hunter and Horn Jr. and in the second half just like the first half. It seemed every time the pair touch the ball it went for a long completion, touchdown or a spectacular catch.
Colorado Dallan Hayden (7) dives through the offensive line in the second quarter against North Dakota State at Folsom Field. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Which in the case of “HIM” Travis Hunter every time he touched the ball he had defenders running for their lives and in disbelief . Hunter ever had Pro Football hall of Famer Terrell Owens speechless after a Odell like one handed catch on the sideline out of bound in front of the great T.O.
NDSU defenders playing their best possible coverage possible with some possible non called pass interference, Hunter still came down with catch after catch. Especially in the 3rd and 4th quarter.
In the 3rd he ran a out in the end zone which the defender had perfect coverage Hunter still left the defender looking in the stands in disbelief that he came away with the ball. One pass in particular where Sanders seemed to have a pass a little behind Hunter which didn’t matter with his ability to stop on a dime to make the reception.
Colorado Drelon Miller (6) slips out of the grasp of North Dakota State University Ryan Jones (27) in the fourth quarter at Folsom Field. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
As could be the same of Horn Jr and star transfer LaJohntay Wester who was second in the nation with 108 receptions last season.
Watching Shedeur who finished the game with 445 yards, 4 touchdowns with this offense showed glimpses of the Rams Fastest Show on Turf with all the weapons he has on display.
Coach Prime was asked if Jimmy had upped his game after a near 200 yard night he mentioned Jimmy was our 3rd receiver behind Travis and “that guy” who just made the Arizona Cardinals roster last week (Xavier Weaver).
But if you haven’t seen Travis Hunter play in person, you’ve seen nothing.
Colorado head coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders celebrates a big play by his team in the fourth quarter against North Dakota State University at Folsom Field in Boulder. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Best description of Hunter : If Coach Prime married Odell Beckhams mother and had a son his name had to be “Travis Hunter”
The greatest part of the night was probably the post game when asked about Hunters goals as a player he and Sanders both said, “We have none individually just for our team to win each week and end up with a trophy and the end of the year”
Paris, France- For the fifth consecutive time, the United States 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team has won the Gold Medal with a heart pounding victory, 98-87 over France at the electric Bercy Arena on Saturday afternoon.
It was the veteran trio of Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Steph Curry who helped the United States win while clinging to an evaporating lead in the fourth quarter. With the raucous French crowd in the stands, chef Curry created a flambe out of the basketball sealing the victory with his late game heroics.
Photo by Michael Floch / fi360 News
After France cut the United States’ lead to 82-79 with just over three minutes remaining, Steph Curry took over. The two-time MVP hit four 3-pointers in the final three minutes to seal the United States’ win, giving him the one major basketball accomplishment he didn’t have: an Olympic gold medal.
It was perhaps his greatest moment, especially the ridiculous three pointer over France’s Victor Wembanyama which somehow rattled in.
The four 3-pointers accounted for half of Curry’s point total on Saturday, scoring a team-high 24 points. Phoenix Suns teammates Kevin Durant and Devin Booker each had 15 points. For Durant, Saturday’s win is his fourth Olympic gold medal.
“A lot of relief,” Curry said. “It wasn’t easy but damn, I’m excited. Everything I wanted it to be and more.”
Photo by Michael Floch / fi360 News
He was aided by the ageless LeBron James, who played another brilliant all-around game, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, a steal and a block.
When the game is on the line, there still isn’t anyone better than those two. And when you need someone to hit a clutch basket, well, there was no doubt.
San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 26 points.
France was the first host nation to play in the men’s basketball gold medal game since the United States in 1996. It’ll take home the silver medal for the second straight Olympic Games.
For Captain America AKA Kevin Durant, he earned his fourth Olympic Gold Medal. Durant is the greatest player in the history of international basketball, adding 15 points in the win.
Anthony Davis had eight points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots for the U.S., which went 6-0 at the Paris Olympics and have won 11 straight at the Summer Games. The U.S. is 144-5 in Olympic history.
The world may be catching up to the United States in men’s basketball but it hasn’t gotten all the way there yet.
Paris, France- Stephen Curry had his breakthrough performance in these Paris Olympic Games when the United States dreams of gold were on life support against Serbia on Thursday, trailing by thirteen points headed into the fourth quarter. His 36 points spearhead a remarkable comeback, as the United States defeated Serbia 95-91 in their historic Semifinal, at the thunderous Bercy Arena in Paris.
Awaiting Team USA is a matchup against France for the Gold Medal on Saturday, August 10th. France knocked off Germany 73-69, in the day’s other gripping Semifinal game.
The Semifinal was a shootout from the jump. The U.S. trailed from the 5:46 mark until the final minutes of the game. The Americans had not trailed by more than 8 points in any game until the second quarter of tonight’s matchup (25-37, 8:17), and after a Nikola Jokic and-1 score, Serbia took its largest lead of 17 points (42-25) with 6:24 to play in the second quarter.
The U.S. trailed 63-76 to start the fourth quarter but worked themselves back into the game thanks to Embiid and Curry. As the U.S. were behind 75-82 with 6:03 to play, Embiid went on a personal 7-2 run to bring the game within one possession (82-84). After a stop, the Americans tied the game at 84 on a James driving layup. The Americans took their first lead, 87-86, on a Curry three, his ninth of the night, with just over 2:24 remaining.
If Team USA cruising through its first four games lulled you into a false sense of the Americans suddenly expanding the gap on their competitors, that gap just isn’t there anymore. Yes, the United States has the best squad by a sizable margin.
But against the best of the rest, it is still not enough of a margin to avoid vulnerability. Team USA played a mediocre half, Serbia played an awesome one.
Photo by Michael Floch / fi360 News
The U.S. trailed 76-63 to start the fourth quarter, as stomachs churned of fans of the Red, White and Blue as the dream of Gold was slipping through their hands. It was a glorious comeback, as Team USA saved the best for last.
Working themselves back into the game thanks to Embiid and Curry. As the U.S. were behind 75-82 with 6:03 to play, Embiid went on a personal 7-2 run to bring the game within one possession (82-84). After a stop, the Americans tied the game at 84 on a James driving layup. The Americans took their first lead, 87-86, on a Curry three, his ninth of the night, with just over 2:24 remaining.
Serbia scared the U.S. lead by bringing the game within one possession on two occurrences in the final minute of the fourth quarter, but the game was capped off by Curry, who sunk 2 free throws with 8 seconds left putting the United States ahead 95-91 for good.
The Americans saw the Serbians shoot the lights out from behind the arc through the first three quarters. Serbia went 15-of-30 from deep before entering the fourth frame. If the USA had hopes of winning the game, they had to slow down the long-range shooting from the opponent.
Serbia was held 0-of-9 from 3-point range in the final frame. The U.S. defense also caused 3 of Serbia’s 7 total turnovers in the last 10 minutes.
LeBron Jame grabbed his second Olympic career triple-double with 16 points (6-9 FG, 2-4 3FG, 2-3 FT), 12 rebounds and 10 assists. He led the team in rebounding and passing in the game.
His sensational triple-double was the fourth in Olympic history and he is the first player to record multiple triple-doubles in an Olympic career. Joel Embiid followed up his 14-point showing in the quarterfinals against Brazil with 19 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3FG), 4 rebounds and 2 assists against Serbia.
Photo by Michael Floch / fi360 News
This game was the Steph Show, as Curry delivered a performance for the ages, adding to his Hall of Fame legacy. His 36 points are the second-most by an American at the Olympics. Carmelo Anthony holds the record with 37 points (13-16 FG, 10-12 3FG) against Nigeria in the 2012 Olympic Games.
Additionally, his 9 3-pointers are the second-most ever by an American at The Games and most ever by a player in an elimination game.
Team USA moves on to face Team France, who will have a significant homecourt advantage on Saturday, August 10th.
Everything will be on the line, as the United States looks for their fifth straight Gold Medal. It is a rematch of the Tokyo games final, a fiercely close game the U.S. pervailed.
USA vs. France is Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is 12:30 p.m. the game will air on NBC.
Kevin Durant transformed into his Captain America costume, and was magnificent in Team USA’s rout of Serbia, 110-84 on Sunday. Having missed Training Camp, Durant was practically flawless in his return. Scoring 21 of his game high 23 points, incluiding a dazzling fadeaway jumper at the end of the first half.
LeBron James added 21 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the first game of these Paris Games. With Coach Kerr, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant leading the way, this team resembles the Golden State Warriors.
Dub Nation means the three point shot. Team USA was red hot from beyond the arc, knocking down 18 three pointers while shooting an eye popping 56% from downtown.
The Olympic opener served, at times, like a broad display of renewed American might. Yes, Team USA has won four consecutive golds, but the last international competition didn’t go so well. The U.S. finished fourth at the World Cup last summer; Serbia, by the way, was runner up.
On this day, Curry, 36, and Edwards, 22, both scored 11 points in their Olympic debuts. Jrue Holiday, a returning gold medalist, scored 15 points with three 3-pointers, and another gold medalist from those Tokyo games, Devin Booker, added 12 points.
Durant’s return to the rotation meant Jayson Tatum, a three-time first-team All-NBA selection at least for the first game, was out. Tatum averaged 6.4 points and shot 47 percent during the exhibition season. Booker kept his spot in Kerr’s starting lineup, but how long that lasts is a fair question.
“It’s really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys, and with Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt would make the most sense,” Kerr said. “It seems crazy. I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I want to get to. Jason’s first-team All-NBA three years in a row, he’s one of the best players in the world.”
Team USA’s next game is against South Sudan at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday. South Sudan beat Puerto Rico on Sunday.
Los Angeles, CA – The Seattle Storm was too much for the Los Angeles Sparks in a 89-83 defeat at Crypto.com Arena. Despite keeping pace closing out quarters well they still didn’t have enough to stop the Storm.
Jewell Loyd led her team scoring 30 points, 7 assist and 6 rebounds from her guard position. Temmate Nneka Ogumike had double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds another solid performance for 13th year veteran.
Jackson (2) 16 points scored today. Photo by Full Image 360
“Nneka willed that team to the finish line today.” said Sparks coach Curt Miller “Talked to the team let them know how proud of our growth and play.
Late in fourth quarter Storm tripled team Hamby in the paint and forced a pass to Stevens who dropped a much need 3 pointer to give Sparks a 73-71 lead. Then Loyd answered quickly by scoring and getting a foul to take lead back 74-73 5:50 in the game.
11 point run by the Storm was enough to frustrate the Sparks and start to put the game out of reach.
“We came up short with a team who has a clean injury report, she was huge for us tonight (Azura),” said Miller.
Going into the 4th quarter the Sparks were still in striking distance down 64-61. It was a real balance attack which help the Sparks stay in the game till this point. Jackson still playing big had huge points even few hustle points through out the game.
This Sparks team continues to find ways to score in first three quarter but still needs a leader to step up once team clamp down on Hamby. The return of Azura Stevens has been very helpful she led today with 24 points shooting 3-5 from the three-point land.
Rae Burrell from the off the Sparks bench had 18 points playing starter minutes making the most shooting 5-7 (71%). Making a case to get more and more minutes. Hamby did score 15 points with 9 rebounds.
Stevens scored 24 points shooting a three over the defender. Photo by Full Image 360
“At this level players care more about closing the game verse starting,” said Miller when asked can Burell be starter or best to be the 6th player.
Ezi Magbegor raced down the court in closing second of the half only to be rewarded by a great entry pass form Diggins-Smith to get layup and 41-37 lead at half. The Sparks were battling to keep the game close.
Storm guard strong scoring accounting for half teams points Loyd and Horston both with 10 points each and combined 8 assists. Looking for more opportunities as the game continued.
The Storm came out strong to start the game behind guard Horston who dropped 8 points. By the end of the quarter the Sparks had clawed back to only trail by 2 points 19-17. Rae Burrell off the bench two three pointers to led her team along with Hamby who also scored 6 points quick 4 rebounds.
The return of Nneka Ogumike to Crypto.com Arena was big even with it being Sparky’s Birthday. The Storm came into today’s game as 5th Seed in WNBA.
The teams will have a short break for WNBA All-Star game in Phoenix followed by an Olympic break. Some of the WNBA top players will play for Team USA and for 3-3 USA Women’s team.
