Liberty’s 72-64 loss to Sun snaps eight-game win streak

NEW YORK (AP) — Marina Mabrey scored 15 points to help the Connecticut Sun end New York’s eight-game winning streak with a 72-64 victory over the Liberty on Saturday night.

Mabrey, who was acquired by the Sun right before the Olympic break, provided an offensive spark off the bench. The win moved Connecticut (22-8) 2 1/2 games behind New York for the top spot in the WNBA standings.

It was the Sun’s first win over New York (25-5) this season in four tries. Connecticut was playing the second half of a back-to-back. The Sun edged Chicago at home Friday night and have won three straight.

Connecticut took control in the third quarter, extending a two-point halftime lead to seven by the end of the period. The advantage grew to 66-53 on Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s shot with 5:45 left. New York scored the next five points, but could get no closer.

Things got chippy in the last 30 seconds when DiJonai Carrington took exception to a foul by Jaylyn Sherrod. Carrington and Sherrod were called for double technical fouls on the play.
Breanna Stewart had 15 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Liberty.

Sabrina Ionescu returned for New York after missing the last two games with a neck issue. She struggled on offense, scoring 12 points while going 3 for 13 from the field.

The Liberty are still without guard Betnijah Laney, who is getting closer to coming back after having knee surgery right before the Olympic break.

The Liberty jumped to a quick lead, but Connecticut stormed back behind Mabrey to take a 40-35 lead late in the first half. The Sun were aided by rough shooting by the Liberty, who missed 12 of their first 13 3-pointers. Ionescu connected on a deep 3-pointer right before the half to make it 40-38 at the break.