Dallas Wings: Ogunbowale leads Wings in victory over the Liberty
Arike Ogunbowale scored 20 points in Wings' victory over New York.
If Wednesday was a glimpse into the feature of the WNBA, then the league is in good hands moving forward. In a game that featured a total of 10 rookies, the Dallas Wings came away victorious in a 93-80 victory over the New York Liberty, inside the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.
While connecting on 44.4% of her shots from the floor, 40.0% from deep, Arike Ogunbowale scored a team-high 20 points — extending her streak to 17 when scoring 10 or more points.
"We just got into attack mode," Ogunbowale said following the win. "I think the biggest thing for us was getting touches in the paint because that breaks down the defense. It allows us to be on the attack while keeping our opponents on their heels."
The Wings came out of the gates rather slow. They missed five of their first six shot attempts as the Liberty took an early advantage. The Wings got into an offensive rhythm midway through the first quarter after Moriah Jefferson scored on back-to-back baskets.
Jefferson scored 13 points (75.0% FG) in the win, six of which came during the first period. Jefferson’s final point total marked the first time since August of 2018 she scored in double figures.
"I think she [Moriah Jefferson] set the tone for the game both with her ability to break the defense down and to keep pressure on the ball," head coach Brian Agler said. "We are starting to see the Moriah that I remember coaching against, and that is a good thing for us."
After taking a two-point lead into the second quarter, Dallas outscored New York 56-39 over the next two quarters. Similar to Sunday's season opener, the Wings gained another substantial performance from their second unit. Allisha Gray provided 10 points off the bench, while Katie Lou-Samuelson notched a career-high 12 points in a little under 20 minutes of play (18:46).
Isabelle Harrison went down with an ankle injury midway through the first half. Although she returned to the game, her status remains questionable heading into Friday contest — according to Agler.
As for New York, they were led by rookie sensation Sabrina Ionescu, who scored a game-high 33 points (55.0% FG, 60.0% 3PT), while also recording seven rebounds and seven assists in the loss. Layshia Clarendon added 11 points as the only other player who scored in double figures for the Liberty.
Up next, the Wings (1-1) will return to action on Friday, July 31 against the Indiana Fever (1-1). Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. CT and the game will be aired on CBS Sports Network.
(Photo Credit: Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images )
You can follow Dallas Wings Insider for future coverage by subscribing to the link above. Also, be sure to follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @WNBA_Davis24