Connecticut Sun Lock Down New York Liberty Late, 78-62

Leïla Lacan (No. 47) continues to shine a bright light for the Connecticut Sun as her squad defeated the New York Liberty, 78-62, on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Photo: Dayna Cass | The Podium Finish)

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Connecticut Sun didn’t just hold serve at home Friday night — they imposed their will on a team that’s tormented them for nearly two seasons. Behind gritty team defense, timely scoring bursts and the steady emergence of Leïla Lacan, the Sun rallied from a fourth-quarter lull to stun the New York Liberty, 78-62, at Mohegan Sun Arena.

This marked the first time Connecticut beat the Liberty at home since 2022, and more importantly, it gave head coach Rachid Meziane‘s squad a chance to reset their trajectory.

“Yeah. This is a good win,” Meziane said. “And I think that most importantly for us now is to change our dynamic… I want to keep my team very focused.”

After watching a 69-62 lead nearly slip with five minutes left, the Sun clamped down, holding New York scoreless the rest of the way. That closing defensive stand wasn’t just a talking point — it was a testament to Connecticut’s evolving identity.

“We knew that to win this game, we had to stick to our game plan defensively,” Meziane said postgame. “Every time we controlled the ball and executed, they didn’t score. Every time we stopped their transition, it was fine for us. Just stay focused and mentally ready.”

The Liberty — riding a wave of momentum and expecting to exploit a tired Sun roster — struggled to shake Connecticut’s physicality and discipline. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart were limited to contested looks throughout, and the Liberty managed only seven offensive rebounds all night.

One of the catalysts was Lacan, the 21-year-old French guard whose energy on both ends has become vital to the Sun’s rhythm. In just 23 minutes off the bench, she scored 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, added an assist and four rebounds and posted a +15 plus-minus.

“I watched the last game against New York, and I feel like we are in a good dynamic,” Lacan said. “Tonight, we did good. We put the intensity, and I just tried to follow the energy my teammates are putting on the court.”

Marina Mabrey, who finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, didn’t mince words about her teammate’s impact.

“Leïla brings toughness and energy. She’s locking up on defense. She’s making people frustrated. Getting steals, putting pressure on the rim. She draws attention and is very unselfish. She’s easy to play with.”

Mabrey noted Lacan’s poise, even when matched up with some of the league’s top guards.

“When Leïla comes out there, I know exactly what to expect… She brings a poise that a lot of young players don’t have. She’s only scratched the surface of what she can be in this league.”

Lacan, who played against the United States in the Olympic final in Paris, credits that experience for her composure.

Leïla Lacan (No. 47) brought her A-game for the Connecticut Sun in a 78-62 win over the New York Liberty. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)

“It helped me to not be scared because I already done it,” she said. “The pace is faster [in the WNBA], and you don’t have time to breathe. But I feel good.”

The Sun’s defense was a five-player commitment, and Meziane praised the full-team buy-in.

“We took some pride in our one-on-one defense. We were solid. Mentally we were present. Five players were locking in defensively during every possession,” he said. “We improved, defending from the first second to the 24th second.”

In a back-and-forth game where no team led by more than nine, Connecticut used a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to to close out their Friday night matchup against the defending WNBA champions.

Mabrey explained what changed after a timeout with just over five minutes left.

“We relaxed for a couple of minutes in the fourth, got a little bit sloppy. Then coach called a timeout and reiterated what our intention is — team defense. Our offense isn’t the greatest part of our team. Defense is going to lead to easier buckets.”

That mentality has become a mantra in the locker room.

“When we play great defense and we’re feisty and aggressive and we help each other out, we are a good team,” Mabrey said. “We’re not consistent with it yet, but it’s consistently being talked about. That’s all we can do — come in with an individual mindset of playing hard team defense.”

Veteran Tina Charles, who chipped in 15 points and four rebounds, also drew praise for her leadership and timely scoring.

When asked about Charles’ impact during a third-quarter run, Mabrey lit up.

Tina Charles (No. 31) of the Connecticut Sun played with intensity and leadership against the defending WNBA champions. (Photo: Dayna Cass | The Podium Finish)

“It’s vintage Tina. She’s just a bucket. Just knowing we can go to a horn set or a quick inside screen for Tina when teams go on a run… She’s a reliable source for us.”

The Sun bench was lively throughout, feeding off each other’s energy.

“It’s not easy to cheer your teammates on when you’re really tired,” Mabrey added. “That’s something we’ve been lacking, especially in our losses. Bringing energy from the bench and even on the court, being happy for your teammates… that’s underrated.”

Likewise, Meziane saw poise in how his team responded.

“Even if we missed a lot of open shots and lost too many balls in the first half, we stayed focused,” he said. “We made the necessary adjustments during the game to win it.”

The win moves Connecticut to 2–2 in the second half of the season — a fact not lost on Mabrey.

“Right now, all I see is that we’re 2–2. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re losing. But just locking in on what we can control — our defense, being unselfish, playing for the team — you’d be surprised what results come.”

The Next Sunrise

Marina Mabrey and Rachid Meziane, head coach of the Connecticut Sun, hope to replicate their Friday night light win against New York for a Sunday showdown. (Photo: Dayna Cass | The Podium Finish)

The Sun will now look to sweep their weekend set with the Liberty, with a Sunday matinee looming large for a team trying to solidify its identity and confidence.

“I feel that today, we were better than this team,” Meziane said. “So hopefully we will be again better on Sunday.”

New York Liberty: By the Numbers

Natasha Cloud (No. 9) of the New York Liberty looks for the open teammate while being guarded by Saniya Rivers (No. 22) of the Connecticut Sun. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)

Connecticut Sun: By the Numbers

Tina Charles embraces Marina Mabrey after the Connecticut Sun’s determined, hard fought win against the New York Liberty. (Photo: Tammy McManaway Sports Photography)