In a remarkable display of resilience, Arike Ogunbowale once again proved to be a crucial player for the Dallas Wings as they secured an 87-79 victory against the Chicago Sky. Despite trailing in the first half, Dallas mounted a determined comeback to claim the win with less than two minutes left on the clock.
Head coach Latricia Trammell highlighted the importance of the team's efficiency on both offense and defense in achieving this victory. "Each one contributed in an incredible way," Trammell said postgame. "When you have players that can do that, it doesn’t all have to fall on one, and that is when you know you are headed in the right direction and are going to do great things."
Ogunbowale led the Wings with an impressive 25 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. Teaira McCowan and Natasha Howard also delivered standout performances, both achieving double-doubles. McCowan scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Howard added 15 points and 13 rebounds. Maddy Siegrist made a significant contribution with 13 points and five rebounds.
Chicago started the game strong, maintaining the lead for most of the first quarter. Their fast-paced offense resulted in a 6-2 run in the final minutes, giving them a 25-14 lead as the first quarter ended.
However, the Wings rallied in the second quarter, with McCowan dominating the half with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Howard contributing eight rebounds and six points. The momentum shifted further in Dallas's favor with rookie Stephanie Soares hitting her first career layup, giving Dallas a 36-35 lead.
Postgame, Howard emphasized the importance of their defensive efforts.
"Chicago challenged all of us, but it couldn’t stop us from what was going on on the defensive and offensive end," Howard remarked. "We are really good at our defense and it helps on the offensive end, and Chicago couldn’t hang with us. With our speed, our versatile post players, with Teaira and Kalani in the paints, they can’t stop us."
Siegrist had a notable third quarter, scoring 10 points and grabbing three rebounds. Coach Trammell expressed her admiration for Siegrist's progress. "I think she is one of the best in rebounding percentages, knowing when they are coming off," Trammell noted. "She has thirteen points tonight, but with Maddy, she also has the trust of these two [Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard]. The rest of the team trusts her and likes Maddy. I am proud of her."
Dallas remained within striking distance throughout the game, trailing by less than five points for most of the final quarter. With just over five minutes left, they were down by only three points, 67-70.
Natasha Howard tied the game at 73-73 with a crucial jumper, but a shooting foul on Jaelyn Brown sent Marina Mabrey to the line for two free throws, putting Chicago back in the lead. Dallas quickly responded, with Ogunbowale and Howard scoring key baskets to bring Dallas ahead 77-75 with just over two minutes left.
In the game's final minute, Dallas solidified their lead. Siegrist hit a critical three-pointer, extending the lead to 80-75. Ogunbowale followed with a two-pointer and a steal off Mabrey, finishing at the rim to make it 84-75 with just over a minute remaining. Ogunbowale sealed the victory by adding seven more points in the final moments.
The Dallas Wings will stay at home to face the Chicago Sky again on Saturday, May 18th, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
