By Dorothy J. Gentry
Sports Editor
Photos: Dorothy J. Gentry
The Dallas Wings – in their first game back from the Olympic and WNBA All-Star Break – fell to the Connecticut Sun, 109-91, Friday night at College Park Center.
The team has struggled this season after a rash of injuries hit the team early and left them hobbled during the entire first half of the season. Several of the players are now back and the team is looking to regain their footing and make a mad push for the playoffs.
As a result, the Wings currently sit in 10th place in the WNBA standings with a 6-20 record. And with 14 games left in the season, they are in a must-win as many games as possible mode to make one of the top 8 playoff teams.
“We just need to take it game-by-game. We need to find out groundwork again and set the standard high for ourselves; playing for ourselves more than whoever is in front of us,” said Wings forward Satou Sabally.
The game was the season debut for Sabally, who missed the first 25 games of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained while helping Germany qualify for the Olympics.
“I think we need to find our identity and play to that because we are so talented and so good that we can win all the next game that are ahead of us,” she said. “Just giving your all every single possession and having that fight.”
Sabally finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Arike Ogunbowale had a team-high 21 points, while Natasha Howard posted her third double-double of the year with 17 points and a team-high 11 rebounds.
“Having everyone come back and finding the rhythm with our team is going to be so important,” said head coach Latricia Trammell. “Working hard on the defensive end. I know we will get back in the grind and continue to feel more comfortable with one another.”
It was also Inspiring Women’s Night at the game as the Wings honored women who have made a difference in various areas with the second annual Nancy Lieberman Women of Inspiration Awards. Actress and comedian Wanda Sykes was named the Trailblazer Woman of Inspiration Award winner, founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry and public speaker Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson was the recipient of the Community Woman of Inspiration Award, and business strategist Danyel Surrency Jones was selected as the Businesswoman of Inspiration Award winner.
The Wings return to action on Tuesday in the first of two consecutive games at the New York Liberty. Tipoff at Barclays Center is set for 6 p.m. CT, with the game airing on NBA TV and WNBA League Pass. Dallas remains in New York on Thursday for a 6 p.m. tilt, streaming on Prime Video.
Dorothy Gentry is an award-winning journalist, PR pro and educator. A University of North Texas alum, she is the Sports Editor for Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and I Messenger.
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