The Connecticut Sun ended a five-game losing streak by defeating the Chicago Sky 71-62 on Wednesday night in Uncasville, Connecticut. Leila Lacan led the Sun with 17 points in her sixth start of the season, while Tina Charles contributed 15 points. Marina Mabry added 10 points, helping Connecticut improve their home record to 5-11 and overall to 6-26.
For Chicago, Kamilla Cardoso scored a team-high 24 points during a tough stretch where they have lost 11 of their last 12 games. Elizabeth Williams recorded a double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds, and Rachel Banham chipped in 10 points. The game saw some tension as Chicago’s Rebecca Allen and Connecticut’s Bria Hartley were ejected following an incident in the second quarter, with Sky’s Ariel Atkins also getting ejected for contact with officials, causing a lengthy video review.
Despite having only eight players available in the second half and missing Angel Reese due to injury, Connecticut maintained control, leading 55-34 midway through the third quarter. Chicago mounted a comeback earlier in the game with an 11-0 run to narrow the gap to single digits. Tina Charles broke the Sun’s scoring drought late in the game with key three-pointers, extending the lead. Chicago’s Williams brought them closer again, but Connecticut sealed the win with clutch free throws and a layup from Lacan in the final minutes.
Fan Take: This victory is significant for the Connecticut Sun as it halts a demoralizing losing streak and showcases the resilience and talent that can reignite their season. For WNBA fans, games like this highlight the intense competition and emotional highs and lows in women’s basketball, underscoring the growth and excitement of the sport.