Tag: Connecticut Sun

Slow Las Vegas Start Finishes On Fire Beating Sun 94-86; Aces pick up fourth straight win

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) drives on Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Aug 10, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

Despite struggling this season, the Connecticut Sun (5-25) gave the Las Vegas Aces (18-14) all they could handle in the first half of their matchup with the two teams tied at the half 45 points apiece. Las Vegas fought back leading after three quarters 70-62 winning the game 94-86 Sunday.

With this win the Aces are tied with the Indiana Fever for fifth place. A’ja Wilson finished the game with 32 points and 20 rebounds. Jackie Young had a 12 point first quarter finishing with 21 points. This was their fourth win in a row.

Game recap: The Aces took their largest lead of the game 14-6 at 5:32 in the opening ten minutes of play. The Sun pushed back erasing the Aces eight point lead cutting it in half 18-14 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter.

Young started the game with a hot hand already hitting 12 points with two minutes left in the quarter. Every time the Aces extended their lead, the Sun pushed back hard pulling to within two points with under two minutes left on the clock 22-24. With under a minute left in the opening quarter the Sun took a 28-26 lead.

Connecticut had hit five of eight from beyond the arc and the Aces had to contain the Sun’s long ball in the second quarter. After the first ten minutes of play the Sun had taken a 31-27 lead and had gone on a 15 to 3 run. After a hot start, the Aces had really cooled off. Las Vegas already had five turnovers, the Sun only two. Las Vegas had to put the stops on the Sun’s success from beyond the arc.

The Sun did not back down to start the second quarter and in fact continued to extend their lead 39-30 in the opening minutes. This was not the start to the second quarter that Las Vegas had envisioned.

The Sun took a ten-point lead, the largest of the game, 43-33 prompting a time-out for the Aces. After a great first quarter start, the Aces had fallen flat offensively and were struggling defensively.

The Sun’s confidence continued to build as the second quarter wore on leading 45-38 with 4:33 left in the half. Las Vegas needed to trim the Sun’s lead before halftime. The Aces went on a 10-0 run in the final minutes of the second quarter cutting their 12 point deficit to two points. Las Vegas tied up the game at 45 going into the half and it was a new ball game.

The Aces had really turned this game back in their favor in the later minutes of the second quarter. Young had hit 14 points and Wilson was closing in on another double double with 13 points and nine rebounds after two quarters. Las Vegas had to take back control of this game and cut down on the turnovers.

Las Vegas turned this game around in the third quarter taking their largest lead of the game so far with 11 points and leading 70-62 after three quarters.

Connecticut continued to hang around but unlike the second quarter when the Sun pushed, the Aces successfully pushed right back taking an 82-71 lead after the Sun had pulled to within 6 points with 6:35 left in the game.

With 5 1/2 minutes left on the clock Wilson had 28 points and 18 rebounds taking her team to an 86-73 lead. The Aces continue to work their way up the standings. They are without doubt playing with playoff mentality. Their defense really clicked in the second half.

Wilson finished with 20 rebounds, a career high, and 32 points. The Aces locked in defensively to pull off their fourth win in a row.

Game notes: The Aces continued their homestand defeating the struggling Sun Sunday evening at Michelob ULTRA Arena. They had a great win over the Seattle Storm Friday night 90-86 in a nail-biter of a fourth quarter. With the win Friday night the Aces have pulled into sixth place a half game behind the fifth place Indiana Fever. There will be a lot of shuffling as the season enters its final push.

Las Vegas will face a tough assignment on Wednesday evening taking on the New York Liberty but will continue to play with home court advantage before heading out on the road taking on Phoenix on Friday night. Tipoff for the Aces game with the Liberty is scheduled for 6:30 PM PT.

Aces Crush Connecticut For Second Win In a Row 85-59; Wilson reaches 5000th career point plateau

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Aces center A’Ja Wilson (22) celebrates scoring her 5000th career point against the Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (left) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Wed June 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Rich Perez

LAS VEGAS–Wednesday night the Las Vegas Aces (7-7) won their second game in a row beating the struggling Connecticut Suns (2-13) 85-59 . A’Ja Wilson reached yet another milestone reaching 5000 career points in the second quarter.

Game recap: Wilson finished with 22 points and Jackie Young chipped in another 20 points. Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd both had double digits. The Aces hit 11 three’s and completely dominated in the second half of play. Despite having 15 turnovers in the game they breezed through this one.

Las Vegas got the perfect start going on a 19-0 run. The first basket the Sun scored was at less than two minutes left in the first quarter. Connecticut went on a 6-0 run to end the first ten minutes of play. The Aces won the opening quarter 21-6.

The Sun had a much improved second quarter outscoring the Aces 23-19 in quite a turnaround. At the half Las Vegas had a 40-29 lead. Connecticut was struggling from beyond the arc not able to hit one in the half. In the second quarter Wilson hit her 5000th career point. There is not a whole lot that Wilson cannot do, she is the epitome of skill and professionalism.

In the third quarter, the Aces had the upper hand in this game controlling the flow of the game. Each team had 9 turnovers but the Aces dominated in the field, beyond the arc, and defensively with 35 rebounds to the Suns 21. After three quarters the Aces had taken their largest lead of the game 68-46 crushing Connecticut.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Sun were looking at a close to impossible task; catching up with Las Vegas. The Aces continued to extend their lead taking a 24-point lead 70-46 in the opening minutes of the final quarter.

Las Vegas had hit 11 shots from downtown while the Sun only had two. Despite the significant lead, the Aces had a frustrating start to the fourth quarter with turnovers and missed shots. They did maintain at least a 20 point lead throughout the quarter and with under four minutes left in the game had a 77-55 lead.

The Las Vegas bench would finish off this game with Kierstan Bell hitting eight points. The final was 85-59 in a really lop-sided game. The Aces had won their second win in a row in a complete rout.

Game notes: After fighting their through the Indiana Fever Sunday, the Aces handled the Sun without much trouble at Michelob ULTRA Arena Wednesday night. The Aces beat the Fever in the fourth quarter of the game after trailing for much of it in the first half. A’Ja Wilson was back in form scoring 24 points in that game; the win breaking a 3-game skid.

Wednesday night they started a winning streak against the Sun picking up their second win in a row. Connecticut had been struggling but Las Vegas took nothing for granted and put out their best effort giving the home crowd another win. The win Wednesday night will put them at .500.

The Aces will not have much time to celebrate this win taking the court Thursday night against the Washington Mystics looking for their third win in a row. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 7:00 PM at Michelob ULTRA .

A’Ja Wilson Hits 1000th Season Point-First In WNBA History In Win Over Sun 84-71

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces holds up the sign that says it all scoring her 1000th point against the Connecticut Sun at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 15, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (25-13) won their third game in a row beating the Connecticut Sun (27-11) 84-71. This was a win that A’Ja Wilson will never forget. This game will hold a very special memory for the rest of her life. She hit her 1000th season point Saturday, the first player to ever do it in a single season.

She has played her heart out all season through the ups the downs and they are cresting right now as they head closer to the playoffs. Wilson finished this historic game with 29 points and nine rebounds.

Game recap: The Connecticut Sun are holding down third place in the WNBA right now and going into this game, every team in the league is playing tough ball and the Sun will be a challenge.

There are no “gimmes” in women’s basketball right now. There are the teams that can only aspire to playing the spoiler and there are the team’s that are headed for the playoffs. The Aces and the Sun are both headed to the playoffs; the Sun in third place and the Aces in fourth with two games left on the regular season.

The Las Vegas Aces, who have won seven of their last eight games, took a 29-25 lead after the first ten minutes of play. They were leading at the half 48-40. Las Vegas had an amazing third quarter outscoring the Sun 23-11 taking a 20 point lead 71-51.

Connecticut played hard in the fourth quarter outscoring the Aces 20-13 making up some ground but it was not enough to overcome the lead that the Aces had built. Las Vegas won a tough game against the Connecticut Sun 84-71.

Fans enjoyed the game and seeing the team win but there was a special moment in the final two minutes of the game that sent the arena into a wild frenzy. At exactly 1:57 left in the game, Wilson made an 11-foot pullup shot assisted by Jackie Young for her 1,000th pt in a single season.

30 seconds after the shot the Aces called a timeout as her teammates mobbed her. She took the court acknowledging the loud ovation from the fans clapping her hands with tears in her eyes.

Right now the Aces hold a one-game lead over the Seattle Storm for the No. 4th seed in the playoffs as well as home-court advantage in that series.

Marina Mabrey led the Suns with 18 points and Brionna Jones added 17 points. For the Aces Kelsey Plum finished with 14 points. She hit a late much needed three to seal this win for Las Vegas. She came through in much the same way in their last game with the Fever.

Game notes: Sunday afternoon Michelob ULTRA Arena was bursting at the seams with fans not only anticipating another win but hoping to witness an unparalleled milestone. The sell-out crowd was there of course to root the Aces on but to also be in person for the 1000th point hit by the amazing Aces leader A’Ja Wilson.

She has thrilled fans for years now and this year could possibly be her best yet. With two games left in the season, Sunday’s game was the second to last regular season game played at Michelob. They will finish the season next Thursday taking on the Dallas Wings at home.

Tuesday night the Aces take on the Seattle Storm on the road and finish the season back home playing the Dallas Wings Thursday. Tipoff for Tuesday night’s game is scheduled for 7:00 PM and can be viewed on NBA TV.

Aces Beat Indiana Fever In Second Matchup 78-74

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces forward Jackie Young (0) takes a jump shot against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) at Gainbridge Field in Indianapolis on Fri Sep 13, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

The second game of the two game series between the Las Vegas Aces (24-13) and the Indiana Fever (19-19) was a hotly contested game with Las Vegas coming out on top 78-74. Chelsea Gray had the team high with a high-powered effort scoring 21 points.

The Fever were able to tie the game in the second half but that was as close as Indiana would get. A’Ja Wilson had another double double scoring 15 points and had 17 rebounds. The Fever have not beaten Las Vegas in the past five years.

Game recap: The Aces had a great start leading after the first ten minutes 19-13. After the first quarter, the Fever’s Caitlan Clark already had two personals in this very competitive game.

Mid-way through the second quarter the Fever rallied after trailing by as many as eight points. With under four minutes left in the half the Aces had established a 35-27 lead. Every time the Fever challenged, the Aces had the answer pushing back the lead.

Both Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum had a great start in this game. Las Vegas continued to fight hard but the feisty Fever continued to hang around. At the half, the Aces continued to maintain the lead 43-35.

Clark had to exit the second quarter after committing her third foul. In the quarter she set the record for the most assists in a season as she continues to set milestones. The Aces Wilson and Plum each had ten points and Young chipped in seven points. Wilson already had eight rebounds on her way to another double double.

This game began to really heat up in the third quarter with both teams trading shots. Mid-way through the quarter the Aces continued to lead 56-46 in a fast paced game. Wilson had a double double in the quarter and four Ace starters had double digits.

With two minutes left in the quarter the Fever had pulled to within four shots 52-56. Las Vegas had to tighten up and start hitting shots. In the final minute of play, the Fever had pulled to within one point 57-58.

After three quarters Las Vegas was hanging onto a slim 60-57 lead. Clark had 14 points in the third quarter a huge reason for the Fever’s comeback. Indiana won the third quarter 22-17.

With 8:27 left in this game it was all knotted up 60-60. Indiana had held the Aces to 17 points in the third quarter. Plum hit a much needed three her third of the game in the fourth quarter giving the Aces a 65-60 lead.

This game would come down to a wild finish. The Fever were only shooting at 43 % from the line and in a game so hotly contested this could be the difference between a win and a loss. So far shots from the line were undoing the Fever’s efforts.

Clark was called for her fourth foul with three minutes left in the game. With under three minutes in the game the Fever had pulled to within three points until Wilson, who gets to the line more than anyone else in the league, hit a couple of free throws.

Indiana fouled Wilson again on their next possession good for another two points. With under two minutes left on the clock, it was again a two-point game. With under a minute Plum hit her fourth three giving Las Vegas a 75-70 lead in a thriller.

The Fever pulled within three points with 42.1 seconds left in the game 75-72. With 23 seconds on the clock Indiana had the ball and the opportunity to tie up this game. Aliyah Boston shot at an open three and missed.

The Fever went on to foul Gray who made both free throws followed by a second foul on Gray to end the game with Las Vegas hanging onto the game 78-74.

Las Vegas played consistently throughout the entirety of the game. The Fever threatened throughout every quarter. It was all Kelsey Mitchell in the first half for the Fever and in the second half it was all Clark but they came up just short.

The Aces were far more consistent at the line than the Fever and one of the reasons that Indiana lost this game. The amazing play of Gray turned this game around as well. She had the team high with 21 points. Plum finished with 18 points and four shots from downtown. In was an all-out effort for the Aces in a well played game.

Game notes: In a Friday night special, the Aces took on a second game against the Fever. Wednesday night, the Aces beat the Fever in a competitive game 86-75 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Friday night’s was played at the same location in Indianapolis.

The Aces had beaten the Fever for the 14th straight time Wednesday and for the 15th time at the Fever’s site Friday night. There has been a lot of discord among Fever fans but Friday night was a clean game that played out.

After losing in the first game of the two game series, the Fever no doubt came out with renewed energy. Las Vegas had their starters take control of this game from the get go. Aces superstar A’Ja Wilson (15 pts) Jackie Young (12 pts) and Kelsey Plum (18 pts).

Las Vegas will be back home at Michelob ULTRA Arena taking on the Connecticut Sun this Sunday. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 3:00 PM PT.

Fourth Quarter Surge Pushes Aces Past Connecticut 72-67

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) takes a finger roll lay up shot against the Connecticut Suns guard Tyasha Harris (52) and center Brianna Jones (42) at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre CT on Fri Sep 6, 2024 (Las Vegas Aces photo)

By Barbara Mason

When all seemed lost, the Las Vegas Aces (22-12) lit up in the second half and capped it off in the fourth quarter beating the Connecticut Sun (24-10) 72-67. Trailing for most of the game, Las Vegas struggled through the first half of play. A’Ja Wilson finished the game with 20 points but only four rebounds. Kelsey Plum had the team high with 27 points and five rebounds. They did not take the lead until the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

Game recap: The first quarter was a back forth game with both teams trading the lead. Plum got a great start in her first game back scoring 12 points. In the final minutes of the opening quarter the Sun started to create a bit of distance leading 22-17 after the first ten minutes of play.

Connecticut was on fire offensively only missing four shots and shooting around 73% from the field. The only negative for the Sun were the six turnovers they committed. Aces Head Coach Becky Hammon was looking for a better offensive effort in the second quarter. Las Vegas was only shooting around 40% from the floor and needed a whole lot more.

As the second quarter got underway, the Sun continued to extend their lead on top of Las Vegas 25-17 7:50 into the second quarter. The Aces were missing far too many shots and were looking for more consistency.

The Sun had begun to miss shots with their proficiency dropping from 73% to 57%. They had opened the door for the Aces but Las Vegas needed to start making shots and they just were not coming.

So far in this game, the Aces did not look very hungry at all. The only Ace on the floor that was having any success was Plum with 12 points four minutes into the quarter as the Sun continued to hit shots leading 29-20 at 6:25.

At the half the Sun had taken a significant lead 38-26. It was a rough first half for the Aces getting outplayed from the field, from downtown with too many fouls and nine turnovers. Young came up empty in the first half, Chelsea Gray had only two points and Wilson had been contained only scoring five points.

Las Vegas had to turn this game around and that is exactly what they did in the early going of the third quarter erasing the Sun’s lead from 38-26 to five points 40-35. Known for being a second half team Wilson got going and Plum continued hitting shots.

If Young got her game on task, she very well could be the deciding factor in this game. As the third quarter began to wind down the Aces trailed by a single point 45-44 which prompted a Connecticut time-out.

After the break the Sun pushed their lead back out to 50-44 and it was Las Vegas that called a time out looking to put a stop to the Connecticut surge. The Sun would take a 52-49 lead into the fourth quarter. Las Vegas had won the third quarter 23-14 in a real turnaround.

Connecticut established a 56-49 lead in the opening minutes of the fourth. The Aces had to pull out all the stops if they were to win their fourth game in a row. Every time the Aces made a move, the Sun countered.

Las Vegas was finally able to take the lead with 58 ticks left on the clock. Gray hit a 25-foot three point jumper and the Aces had a 71-67 lead with 5.4 seconds left in the game. The Las Vegas Aces had turned this game around chipping away at the Sun’s lead until they broke through for the 72-67 win, their fourth win in a row.

When all looked lost, the Las Vegas found their way and their will to win. Wilson finished with 20 points and Plum had the team high with 27 points. Gray had 13 points.

Game notes: The Aces have won four straight games after their victory over the Sun Friday night 72-67. Tuesday night they handed the Chicago Sky their seventh straight loss in a row 90-71. Friday night they took on some real muscle in the Sun handing the Sun their 11th loss of the season.

Plum was back on the starting roster after dealing with a sore ankle. You would have never know Plum had suffered an ankle injury as she got airborne with some of jump shots and leading the Aces in scoring with 27. The Sun right now are in second place in the WNBA and the Aces fought hard for this game. Las Vegas picks up another road win at Mohegan Sun Arena at Wilkes-Barre Township.

This Sunday afternoon, the Aces will meet the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn with tipoff scheduled for 1:00PM. The Liberty are the number one team in the WNBA but the Aces will be riding high after beating the Sun and will be up for the challenge.

Aces Beat First Place Connecticut 85-74

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots against Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Friday, June 21, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)

By Barbara Mason

The Las Vegas Aces (8-6) have some great momentum to build upon after beating the Connecticut (13-2) 85-74 in a terrific win. They’re rebounding was 42 to the Suns 29. While their three’s were not falling, their work in the paint and defensively was spotless. A’ja Wilson had the high with a double double, 26 points and 16 rebounds. Kelsey Plum had 18 points as the Ace’s stubbornly hung onto the lead through all four quarters of the game.

Game recap: A close game was expected but the slow start for both teams was not expected. After the first 3 1/2 minutes of play Brionna Jones had scored all six of the Sun’s points giving her team the early lead 6-2.

The Aces took a time out when this game teetered a bit and Head coach Becky Hammon did not want this game to get out hand. Kelsey Plum hit a three to get within one point but the Sun pushed their lead back out 10-7.

The Aces shots were just not falling so far in the quarter. At 1:49 left in the first 12 minutes the Aces had tied the game at 14 as they had warmed up and their shots began to fall. The crowd erupted when with under a minute, Las Vegas took a four-point lead, their first of the game, 20-16. They had won the first quarter 20-16.

The Ace’s Alysha Clark had the hot hand going into the second quarter going 2 for 2 from downtown. She had scored eight points in the game and had given her team a 25-18 lead in the early minutes of the quarter.

Clark was not the only one with a hot hand, Kelsey Plum hit her third three of the game mid-way through the quarter giving Las Vegas a 33-23 lead. The Aces had to keep their foot on the pedal; a ten-point lead against a team with the talent of the Sun was not enough to relax in any shape or form.

They had to continue playing hard although they had their largest lead of the game 37-25 at the four minute mark. Continuing to extend their lead was now their game plan. It was now the Sun’s shots that were not falling as Las Vegas had taken a 45-25 lead with two minutes left on the clock.

The Aces went on a 17-5 run in the final minute as Connecticut struggled in the paint as well as from long. At the half, the Aces led 45-28 having won the second quarter by a bunch 25-12. The Las Vegas Aces’ defense had stymied the Sun’s offense rendering them ineffective. They were all over them in the first half.

The Connecticut Sun did not take kindly to the Aces running roughshod all over them in the first half and erased the Las Vegas 17 point lead pulling to within seven points in the later minutes of the quarter 47-54.

The Aces pushed back taking a 63-50 lead after three quarters. Jackie Young had been strangely quiet with only six points in the game. Her team would need all hands on deck to finish off the Sun.

With seven minutes left in the game, the Aces had taken a 70-54 lead and there was not much that was not working for Las Vegas. The Aces were fighting to protect their 72-54 lead continuing to excel both offensively and defensively with a lot of time on the clock before this one was over.

This team was really looking like they were turning things around and with the Sun running out of time trailing 81-63 the Aces were on the brink of hanging onto the fifth spot in the overall standings.

With two seconds left in the game, the starters for Las Vegas were sitting out the final minutes as their bench brought this game home 85-74. The Aces were back and looking like the championship team we are used to seeing.

The Aces will have some time off going forward giving Chelsea Gray even more time to work back into the system. They will then be looking to extend their winning streak to three.

Game notes: Friday night a sell-out crowd filled the Michelob ULTRA Arena saw the Aces win against the highly touted Suns. With only a single loss this season they presented the Suns with a mighty challenge and ended up handing them their second loss. With the return of Chelsea Gray the Aces has been energized by her court presence and she did look good in their last game against the Storm despite playing limited minutes and finishing with 4 rebounds and 7 assists so a great effort for Gray. Gray on Friday night had four points and two rebounds.

Next up for Las Vegas will not be for a lengthy five day break taking on the 5-9 Chicago Sky Thursday night with tipoff scheduled for 4:00 PM.

Aces Head Into WNBA Finals With Win Over the Wings 64-61

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Dallas Wings forward Satou Sabally, left, and Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young scramble for the ball during the first half at College Park Center in Arlington on Fri Sep 29, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Friday night the Las Vegas Aces (34-6) took on the Dallas Wings (22-18) looking to finish up this semi-final series and head into yet another WNBA Finals. The Aces have had a relatively easy path so far in these playoffs.

The Wings came out with a game plan which forced the Aces into turnovers and took A’Ja Wilson completely out of the game. Dallas forced the Aces into some very uncharacteristic play. Dallas’ rebounds through three quarters were (36) to the Aces 28.

It was all a part of the plan. Forcing the turnovers was also working for the Wings. Las Vegas had lost the ball 17 times with 6:31 left in the game. The Aces got back on track in the final minutes to take this one home in a real nail-biter 64-61.

Dallas led after the first quarter by a slim margin of 18-16. At the half, the Wings led by 36-31. The Wings were starting to put the hurt on Las Vegas. They had contained A’Ja Wilson. At the half she was shooting single digits as was the rest of the team. It was the slowest of starts for Las Vegas running into a determined Dallas team.

The Aces won the third quarter 18-15 and this game was going down to the wire. The Wings held onto a 51-49 lead after three quarters in this low scoring game.

A’Ja Wilson finally reached the double digit mark in the fourth quarter as did teammates Chelsea Gray, and Kelsey Plum. Wilson continued to struggle having committed eight turnovers herself and only managing 13 points with 2:28 left in the game.

The score was tied 61-61 as the clock approached two minutes. This game was going down to the wire. With 31.8 left on the clock the Aces had a one-point lead 62-61. They had a great opportunity to extend their lead but Chelsea Gray threw the ball out of bounds.

The last possession would win this game. A jump ball ended up in the hands of the Wings with 9.0 left on the clock. Dallas missed the final shot and in the process fouled Jackie Young who made both free throws. With 2.7 seconds left on the clock Las Vegas led 64-61. The Aces had mounted an 11-0 run to take the game and the series. Las Vegas had earned a trip to the finals 64-61.

This game was a dogfight. The Aces struggled from start to finish but pulled it all together at 4:59 in the fourth quarter. Dallas did not score a single point in the final (4:59) minutes. The Wings had forced 20 Las Vegas turnovers.

Dallas had a great game plan and executed it on point until the final minutes of the game. The 64 points scored in this game were the fewest in Aces franchise history. You have to give a lot of credit to the Dallas Wings. They played hard and very nearly pulled off the upset in game three.

The Aces had four players in double digits. A’Ja Wilson had a double double with 13 rebounds and 13 points but it was Chelsea Gray who had the high with 15 points. Both Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each had 11 points.

This was not even close to what we are accustomed to seeing from this Las Vegas team and as A’Ja Wilson said that is just the way things go sometimes. This certainly is something that they want to get out their system before they head into the finals on Sunday October 8th. The winner between the Liberty and the Sun may be determined this coming Sunday with New York leading the series 2-1.

Aces Punish Suns in Final Regular Season Game Between The Two Teams 102-84

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas guard Chelsea Gray (12) is defended by the New York Liberty forward Betnijah Laney (44) and forward Breanna Stewart (30) at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas on Sat Jul 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Aces Punish Suns in Final Regular Season Game Between the Two Teams 102-84

By Barbara Mason

Saturday afternoon the Las Vegas Aces (15-1) took on the Connecticut Sun (12-5) at ULTA Michelob Arena looking for a little payback. The Sun are the only team that has managed to beat Las Vegas this season. Las Vegas extended their outstanding season record with a win 102-84. This was third and final game between these two teams in the regular season.

Despite not making a single three in the first ten minutes of play, the Aces held a ten point lead 30-20 at the end of the first quarter.

At the half the Aces held onto a 59-48 lead. The Sun got hot from beyond the arc hitting five in the first half while the Aces hit their first of the game in the final minute of play. As expected the Sun’s Dewanna Bonner finished the first half with 17 points. A’Ja Wilson had the high for the Aces with 14 points and seven rebounds.

Las Vegas continued to extend their lead going on a 11-0 run at 7:28 in the third quarter overwhelming the Sun 70-48. The Suns had four turnovers in the first half of the quarter. With under six left in the third the Aces had a 16-0 run and the Sun were helpless to do much about it.

Connecticut had more struggles in the game when Tiffany Hayes was ejected. She flashed the money sign insinuating cheating and that didn’t fly with the referees and she was out. The Suns cut the Aces lead to 84-65 with a mini 6-0 run to end the third quarter. It would turn out to be way too little way too late.

The Aces put this game away in the fourth quarter finishing off Connecticut 102-84. The run that Las Vegas is on right now is amazing and with the starters on the bench in the final minutes, everyone had a hand in this win. On top of it all, the bench is getting some precious minutes of play and some invaluable experience.

Las Vegas kept the Suns Dewanna Bonner under wraps allowing her only two points in the second half. She finished with 19 points. Every Las Vegas starter had double digits in this game with Kelsey Plum the high with 25 points. A’Ja Wilson had another outstanding game with 23 points and 13 rebounds. It’s just what she does and she does it week after week.

The Aces will not take the court until next Wednesday. They will meet the Dallas Wings with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Aces snap seven game win streak to Sun 94-77

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Connecticut Aces Dewanna Bonner (24) takes a shot against the Las Vegas Aces at Mehegan Sun Arena in Montville CT on Thu Jun 8, 2023 (@espnW image)

Aces Drop First Game of the Season to Connecticut 94-77

By Barbara Mason

Thursday and the Las Vegas Aces (7-1) faced the Connecticut Sun (7-2) for a second game of this two game series. The Sun came out in this game the way that the Aces came out in their game Tuesday. They jumped all over Las Vegas and after the first quarter Connecticut had a 26-15 lead.

At the half the Sun extended their lead winning the second quarter 17-13. The half time score was 43-28 in favor of the Sun. Connecticut had incredible energy to start the game and they did not let down and ended the Aces seven game win streak 94-77.

Last Tuesday the Aces barely got past the Sun in a re-match of last years championship game. The Sun had an incredible second half after trailing 48-31 at halftime. The Aces had to pull out all the stops to get past Connecticut 90-84.

Thursday game wrap up: DeWanna Bonner was having an incredible game and the Aces had no answer. Bonner had 29 points going into the fourth quarter. The Sun kept their foot on the pedal leading after three quarters 64-52. The Aces were turning the ball over the likes that the Aces have not seen from this team with 18.

As the fourth quarter got underway it became obvious that there would be no stopping Bonner who finished with 41 points the 36 year-old’s career high. Las Vegas was playing from behind for the entire game. The Sun outplayed the Aces in the paint and most importantly on the defensive side of the ball. At times the Aces were struggling to keep up with the Sun who dominated.

The Sun brought the heat in this game and the Aces were lukewarm at best. This loss was their first this season; their season record is 7-1. After Connecticut’s loss last Tuesday it was a given that they would come into this game with a new resolve, and the Aces saw that from the start of the game and they never let down once.

This loss was a bit of a shocker. It was without a doubt the worst performance of the season for Las Vegas. The Aces lost in rough fashion by 17 points.

Sunday the Aces will be back on the court taking on the Chicago Sky at Michelob ULTRA Arena. Las Vegas will be looking to get back to business, back to what they do so well and that is winning. Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Aces stay undefeated hang on to beat Sun 90-84

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) and the Connecticut Sun guard Tyasha Harris (52) take a photo before their game at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Montville on Tue Jun 6, 2023 (photo by @ LVAces)

Aces Hang On To Beat Sun 90-84

By Barbara Mason

Tuesday night the Las Vegas Aces (7-0) took on the Connecticut Sun (6-2) in a re-match of last season’s championship game. This was the most anticipated game of the season and the Aces who took a perfect record into the game came away with a 90-84 win staying undefeated.

On Sunday the Aces very nearly lost to the Fever trailing for most of the game and in fact did not take the lead until the final minutes of the game avoiding the loss 84-80.

Las Vegas knew full well that there was a target on their backs and every team is out to take down the champions. The Aces had a strong defense against the Sun and they took advantage of their speedy offense. This game no doubt was the biggest challenge they had faced this season and the Aces lived up to it.

Tuesday game recap: The Aces got on top of the Sun in the opening quarter taking a 25-14 lead. The Sun had 6 turnovers in the quarter and had trouble containing the Las Vegas offense. The Aces shot 53% from the field in the first quarter, getting a far improved start over Sunday’s game against the Fever. The Aces had 13 fast break points to the Suns 0 in the quarter.

Las Vegas extended their lead in the opening minute of the second quarter leading 28-14. The Aces led in the half from start to finish and had a 48-31 lead at halftime. The Suns had 12 turnovers and also had trouble containing the Aces’ offense.

Las Vegas was shooting at 50% from the field and would have to keep the pressure on in the second half. Jackie Young shot for 11 points in the half and both Kelsey Plum and Chelsea Gray had ten points.

The Suns came into the third quarter with great energy on both ends of the court cutting into the Aces lead to 53-41. As the quarter came to an end Las Vegas led 70-53 finishing the quarter with the energy that they were lacking to start. The Sun had one quarter left to make any sort of run.

Connecticut made a run in the fourth quarter with Rebecca Allen shooting 22 off the bench. The 19 point lead that Las Vegas had in the quarter had been cut to three points 76-73 with 3:50 left in the game. The Sun had taken control of this game.

With less than two minutes left in this game the Aces were facing yet another challenge. Again it was Jackie Young to the rescue pushing the Las Vegas lead to 86-79. Young has come to the rescue over and over in the fourth quarter of these tight games. Las Vegas pulled it together in the final minutes of the game winning it. It was another tight game that the Aces had to fight hard to win.

Las Vegas is now undefeated with a 7-0 record. A’Ja Wilson finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and Jackie Young had 22. It was another gutsy performance by the defending champs hanging on for the win.

Connecticut Bench player Rebecca Allen had a career high 22 points and was 6 of 7 from beyond the arc. She single handedly gave her team an amazing chance to pull this game out. The Sun got very close, playing a terrific fourth quarter, but just fell short.

The Aces have not seen the last of the Sun taking them on again this Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM.