Paige Bueckers showcased a remarkable performance by scoring all 22 of her points in the second half, propelling the Dallas Wings to a 94-88 victory over Toronto on Wednesday. This defeat marked the expansion Tempo’s 10th consecutive loss.
Struggling in the first half and missing all seven of her shot attempts, Bueckers had a stellar third quarter, going 4 of 4 from both the field and the free-throw line, accumulating 13 points. This surge helped the Wings snap a three-game losing streak, their longest of the season.
Arike Ogunbowale also contributed significantly, scoring 21 points with season-high numbers in free throws and attempts, making 13 of 14 shots. Alanna Smith posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Awak Kuier added 14 points to the board.
Notably, Dallas played without key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd. Shepard sustained an ankle injury in the previous game, while Fudd has been sidelined for three games due to a knee injury.
In a late push by Toronto, Marina Mabrey delivered an impressive performance, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter. The Tempo managed to narrow the gap to three points after trailing by 18 in the third quarter.
Bueckers’ all-around performance included eight assists and three steals, one of which led to a crucial breakaway layup to secure a 10-point lead with just over three minutes remaining. Despite Toronto’s efforts to reduce the deficit to four points in the final minute, Bueckers’ clutch jumper extended the lead to six before a charge was called on Isabelle Harrison.
Bueckers excelled in the second half, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and converting all seven of her free throws. Laura Juskaite contributed 18 points, and Kia Nurse added 16 for Toronto, who were missing starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand.