Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard (10) dribbles the ball against Las Vegas Aces center Iliana Rupert (21) (photo from the Minnesota Star Tribune Erica Dischino)

Aces Top Minnesota 91-85

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Las Vegas Aces (15-5) traveled to Minnesota to take on the Lynx (6-15). The Aces got a 91-85 win in Minnesota. Las Vegas dropped their last game to the Storm 88-78 last Wednesday night collapsing in the fourth quarter. The game was tied with four minutes left in the game but the Aces couldn’t finish and lost to Seattle.. They were looking to get back on the winning track Friday night.

The Aces had a great start leading 15-2 with three minutes left in the first quarter. The Lynx made an amazing push in the final three minutes of the opening quarter. They went on a 11-2 run and only trailed 19-13 after the first ten minutes.

The Aces would hit seven shots in a row to end the first half. Despite ten turnovers they led after two quarters 46-33. Las Vegas shot 59% in the first half and the Lynx struggled shooting just under 36%.

Moriah Jefferson was 2-2 from downtown and had 12 points in the half to lead the Lynx. The Aces Chelsea Gray had 12 points and Kelsey Plum finished the first half with ten points.

The Aces continued to lead and after three quarters Las Vegas was still in charge 69-61. The Lynx won the third quarter 28-23 but still trailed never taking the lead once through three quarters.

At 6:02 in the fourth quarter the Lynx took their first lead of the game 76-75. The Lynx kept it close until the closing minutes. The final was 91-85.

The entire Las Vegas starting roster shot double digits with Chelsea Gray the team leader with 21 points. Kelsey Plum finished with 18 points and A’Ja Wilson had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lynx got an outstanding game from Rachel Banham off the bench with 24 points and was six of eight from downtown. It was just not enough to get past Las Vegas.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday in Las Vegas. Tipoff is schedule for 4:00 PM.