ARLINGTON, Texas (Aug. 27, 2025) — Despite a strong opening quarter and five players finishing in double figures, the Dallas Wings could not hold off a second-half surge by the Connecticut Sun, falling 101-95 Wednesday night at College Park Center. Rookie guard Aziaha James led Dallas with 22 points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal, becoming the only rookie this season with multiple games of 20+ points, 5+ assists and three or more made 3-pointers.
The Wings dropped to 9-30 on the season, while Connecticut improved to 10-28 behind standout performances from Leïla Lacan (22 points, six assists, four steals) and Aneesah Morrow (11 rebounds).
First Quarter: Wings Come Out Strong
Dallas was forced to adjust its rotation early, with Paige Bueckers scratched just before tipoff due to illness. Head coach Chris Koclanes rolled out a new starting lineup featuring Grace Berger, James, Maddy Siegrist, Haley Jones and Luisa Geiselsöder for the first time this year.
The group responded with urgency. James and Jones combined for the Wings’ first 13 points, sparking a 14-6 run that set the tone. Jones was particularly effective, posting eight points, four rebounds and a steal in the opening period. James and Myisha Hines-Allen added seven points apiece as Dallas shot an efficient 59% from the field.
Dominating inside, the Wings went 11-of-16 in the paint to build a 30-21 lead after one. Lacan kept Connecticut within reach, tallying eight points along with two assists and three steals.
Second Quarter: Sun Storm Back
The momentum shifted drastically in the second quarter. Behind a scoring burst from former Wing Marina Mabrey, who scored 11 in the frame, the Sun rattled off a 19-6 run to erase Dallas’ lead. Veteran center Tina Charles added 10 points in the quarter as Connecticut seized its first lead at the 1:39 mark.
While Siegrist and Amy Okonkwo combined for 11 points to steady the Wings, Dallas cooled significantly from outside, shooting just 14% from deep compared to Connecticut’s 67% in the period. The Sun poured in 33 points, their highest-scoring quarter of the season, to claim a 54-49 halftime advantage.
Third Quarter: Connecticut Extends Edge
The Sun’s surge continued into the third. Charles and Lacan combined for 14 points, while Saniya Rivers added five points and an assist as Connecticut built a double-digit cushion.
Dallas found answers off the bench through Hines-Allen, who delivered eight points, and Jones, who dished three assists. Berger added four rebounds, showcasing her hustle on both ends. Despite shooting above 50% in the quarter, the Wings were outpaced 29-21 to trail 83-70 heading into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter: Wings Rally Falls Short
James sparked life back into Dallas with a strong fourth quarter, capping a three-point play to ignite a 12-0 run. The surge stretched to 16-4, trimming the deficit to just one possession. With under a minute left, Okonkwo hit two clutch free throws to make it 95-93, followed by a James layup to cut it to two after Charles scored inside.
Ultimately, Connecticut sealed the victory at the foul line, with Mabrey and Charles combining for late free throws.
Balanced Efforts on Both Sides
Dallas showcased depth with five players in double figures. In addition to James’ 22, Hines-Allen turned in a season-high 18 points and seven rebounds, while Okonkwo posted a career-high 14 points in her second straight double-figure outing. Siegrist added 15 and Jones chipped in 12 to round out the scoring.
The Wings shot 51% from the field but struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 27% of their 3-point attempts. Dallas excelled inside, outscoring the Sun 60-38 in the paint, but Connecticut countered by dominating the free-throw battle with 29 attempts to Dallas’ 17.
For the Sun, Lacan led with 22 points and six assists, Mabrey added 21, and Charles finished with 20 as five players reached double figures.
Up Next
Dallas now turns its attention to a Friday night road clash against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, with coverage airing nationally on ION.
While the Wings showed resilience in their late rally, they will need a complete four-quarter effort to end their skid and finish the season strong.
Final Score: Connecticut Sun 101, Dallas Wings 95
