Paige Bueckers dominated the second half with 22 points as the Dallas Wings defeated Toronto 94-88 on Wednesday, handing the struggling Tempo their 10th straight loss. Bueckers had a remarkable 13-point performance in the third quarter, going perfect from both the field and the free-throw line after a scoreless first half. This victory snapped the Wings’ three-game losing streak, their longest of the season.
Arike Ogunbowale contributed 21 points, showcasing her season-best performance in free throws by making 13 out of 14 attempts. Alanna Smith recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Awak Kuier chipped in 14 points. The Wings played without key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd, with Shepard nursing an ankle injury and Fudd sidelined due to a knee issue.
Marina Mabrey put up a valiant effort for the Tempo, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter to narrow the gap to three points after being down by 18 late in the third. Bueckers contributed significantly with eight assists and three steals, including a crucial steal leading to a layup that extended the lead to 10 points. Despite a late surge by the Tempo, Bueckers’ clutch plays, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and perfect from the free-throw line in the second half, secured the win for the Wings.
Laura Juskaite tallied 18 points, and Kia Nurse added 16 for Toronto, who missed starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand in the game.