Los Angeles, Ca – The Chicago Sky fought back with timely shots to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 82-80 at Staples Center.
Coming out of the time out with 20.4 left on clock being down 80-79, the Sky went to an unlikely shooter Stefanie Dolson the center to drop three pointer from the corner. Dolson finished with a team high 15 points.
The Sparks still had an opportunity with 13.7 left in the game but Nneka Ogwumike’s shot was tipped away by Imani Boyette to seal the victory.
Even with it being the loudest game of the year, the Sky showed the Los Angeles Camp Day campers their never give up attitude.
The visiting Sky who had won their last six games in row, were able to break the Sparks undefeated home winning record.
“When you play a team that’s more hungry, they’re going to get that win,” said coach Brian Agler, “They have a new staff that has them playing smart basketball.”
The first quarter of play saw both teams get off to a great start shooting 50 percent from the field being tied at 21 points apiece. By halftime the Sparks managed to push the lead to 45-35.
Ogwemike showed her range with two three points to keep her team in the game in the first half of play. She finished with a team high 24 points but would have loved to scored just one more basket.
“We were not getting consistent stops,” said Ogwemike on how they let a 10 point halftime lead get away.
The Sky fought back finishing with same 50 percent shooting from the field and owning the fast break points battle 7/0 over the Sparks.
“I thought we had opportunities to win this game,” said Alger, “They just made some timely shots.”
The Sparks can be pleased overall with the first 20 games of the season going into All Star Break in Seattle. This year will be a first for teammate Chelsea Gray making All Star Game averaging 15.8 points and game.
They will have three players in this year’s game Candace Parker as starter, Nneka Ogwumike, and Gray representing the Sparks.
“We are very proud of her(Gray),” said Ogwemike
The WNBA All Star game will be in Seattle on July 22nd at 12:30 pm on ABC.
