Connecticut Sun Rise in Victory Over Dallas Wings, 85-67

Jacy Sheldon (No. 4, guard) of the Dallas Wings had a productive effort against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at College Park Center. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

ARLINGTON, Texas — While the Dallas Wings kept within 10 points of the Connecticut Sun in the first half of Saturday’s game at College Park Center, a difficult third quarter all but sealed their outcome. For the seventh consecutive game, Dallas was on the losing end of another determined effort, falling to Connecticut, 85-67.

Dallas, in the third and final game of their home stand, trailed Connecticut, 10-0, in the opening 2:26 of the game. Brionna Jones started off with a layup and two successful free throws (FTs) before DeWanna Bonner‘s 26’ three pointer, an Alyssa Thomas FT and DiJonai Carrington‘s running layup  put the Wings behind the eight ball.

Teaira McCowan, coming off two consecutive games of scoring 19 or more points, put Dallas on the board with 7:14 to go with a layup. Meanwhile, Maddy Siegrist, Arike Ogunbowale and Jacy Sheldon catalyzed Dallas’ efforts, bringing the Wings back from a 14-point deficit with 2:58 left to a 10-point margin to close out the quarter.

Kalani Brown came off the bench with four quick points before Sevgi Uzun‘s turnaround fadeaway shot brought Dallas within eight points of Connecticut with 5:35 remaining in the second quarter.

However, that was as close as it would get for the Wings as Connecticut responded with contributions from Tyasha Harris, Jones, Bonner and Carrington drawing even, ending the first half with a 10-point lead.

Once the second half kicked off, Dallas could not capitalize with their shots while Connecticut’s bench came through in style.

Rachel Banham, Tiffany Mitchell and Olivia Nelson-Ododa complimented the efforts of Harris, Thomas and Jones, extending the Sun’s lead over Dallas from 10 to 22 at the end of the third quarter. Siegrist, McCowan, Brown and Stephanie Soares tallied points against the stingy Connecticut defense, tallying to the Wings’ 13 points to Connecticut’s 25.

Although Dallas faced an overwhelming deficit against Connecticut going into the fourth quarter, the Wings fought for a moral victory against the Eastern Conference powerhouse team. Sheldon, McCowan, Siegrist and Lou Lopez Sénéchal combined in Dallas’ 21 points in the fourth quarter, outscoring Connecticut’s 17 points.

Latricia Trammell, head coach of the Dallas Wings, reflected on the missed shots, particularly beyond the arc.

“We started off slow,” Trammell said. “That’s one of the things that we talked about. We did better on the turnovers, but six percent from the three.

“We had great looks, but we’ve gotta knock it down. We’re the type of team that needs to see it go in to get back and be motivated on that defensive end. Growth, that’s a growth area.”

Siegrist, the sophomore sensation from Villanova, reeled off her ninth consecutive game of scoring 12 or more points. Gaining confidence and valuable experience in the starting lineup, the Poughkeepsie, New York, native reflected on taking more chances next time out.

Maddy Siegrist (No. 20, forward) of the Dallas Wings lays it up for one of her 16 points against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)

“I think definitely as games have gone on, just getting more comfortable and more confident, and realizing that games like today, going into halftime, you’re frustrated,” Siegrist said. “But like Coach and Jacy said, the next player mentality and the law of averages. I talk about that all the time. You want to shoot 50%, whether you take one, two [or] 20 shots.

“So just knowing that and the next player mentality and knowing sometimes, your team needs you to take more shots. I was a little hesitant on the three [on Saturday]. If I could go back, I would probably take a couple more. I had nothing to lose. So that’s an area of growth and I’ll just try to build on that for the next game [against the Minnesota Lynx on Monday].

Sheldon was one of the bright spots for the Wings’ efforts on Saturday afternoon, scoring seven points, two rebounds and four assists off the bench. Logging 23 minutes, Sheldon has learned not only from her teammates but earned the praises and trust of Trammell, willing to contribute in any way she can.

“Any opportunity you get is a good one here,” Sheldon said. “And I think getting comfortable with these girls, every game, I feel a little bit more comfortable and learn what they like. And it’s been a lot of fun and they’re easy to play with.

“I think we uplift each other even when things aren’t going well. It’s easy to point fingers and get down, but I think we’ve done a good job of of learning and getting better and just trying to grow from our mistakes.”

The Ohio State University Buckeye alum’s WNBA journey has been heartwarming with her little sister, Emmy, being her biggest cheerleader. Even if College Park Center is 1,063 miles from Value City Arena at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, Sheldon’s support system has been around to witness her growth as a thriving player for the Wings.

“It’s been pretty cool,” Sheldon said with a smile. “They were here. They’re here for the past two games. So I think it’s even cooler that they’re able to travel here and watch. And for me as well she’s probably more excited than anyone.

“So it’s been a really cool transition. Glad I’m in Dallas, glad I get to play with this group and be coached by these coaches. It’s been a lot of fun. And it’s going to continue to be to.”

The Rundown

Connecticut Sun: By the Numbers

Dallas Wings: By the Numbers

Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24, guard) of the Dallas Wings tallied 11 points against the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Dallas Wings Basketball)