One may need thought the Connecticut Solar received greater than their first sport of the season on Wednesday.
The Solar (1-5) doused coach Rachid Meziane with water within the locker room following an 80-78 victory in Seattle that snapped a five-game shedding streak.
The groups are scheduled to satisfy once more Friday evening in Seattle.
Kennedy Burke transformed a three-point play with 2.8 seconds remaining because the Solar received with out 10-time All-Star middle Brittney Griner, who was sidelined with a proper rib harm.
“We received this sport as a result of we performed with a variety of delight,” Meziane mentioned. “… We did not panic, even when Seattle got here again within the sport, and once they have been up. We stayed locked in and really centered on the second.”
The Storm (1-4) trailed for a overwhelming majority of the evening earlier than taking the lead with 59 seconds remaining on Jade Melbourne’s driving layup. Mackenzie Holmes added two free throws with 40.8 seconds to go to increase the result in three.
Aaliyah Edwards made a driving layup with 32 seconds left to drag the Solar inside 78-77 earlier than Burke’s successful play.
“We simply needed to transition again higher,” Storm coach Sonia Raman mentioned. “We might be higher on that one subsequent time, however they obtained us on that one.”
Rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker, who began her collegiate profession at Washington State earlier than capping it with an NCAA championship at UCLA, had 16 factors and three assists to steer the Solar.
Natisha Hiedeman led Seattle with 20 factors and 5 assists, however her 3-point try on the ultimate buzzer misfired.
“It occurs. I actually wished that win,” Hiedeman mentioned. “There was a variety of different areas we simply want to wash up, although. I am able to play once more on Friday already.”
Seattle received 89-82 on Mom’s Day at Connecticut, so Friday would be the rubber sport of the season sequence.
Griner (15.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg) is listed as questionable for Friday, however beginning Storm middle Dominique Malonga (16.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg) will miss her third straight sport as she continues to be in concussion protocol.
–Area Stage Media
