ARLINGTON, TEXAS — Arike Ogunbowale has consistently delivered in crucial moments, and their performance in the game against the Chicago Sky was no exception. Despite trailing in the first half, Dallas mounted a comeback to secure an 87-79 win with less than two minutes remaining.
Head coach Latricia Trammell said postgame that the key to winning this matchup was the teams’ ability to be efficient on both ends of the court.
“Each one contributed in an incredible way,” said Trammell. “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 Dallas with 25 points, three rebounds, and seven assists. Two double-doubles from McCowan with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Howard added 15 points and 13 rebounds. Maddy Siegrist also contributed significantly with 13 points and five rebounds.
Chicago came out strong, leading for the majority of the first quarter. Their fast-paced offense fueled a 6-2 run in the final minutes, giving them a 25-14 lead heading into the second quarter.
However, Dallas mounted a comeback with the help of Teaira McCowan and Natasha Howard. McCowan dominated the first half with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Howard contributed eight rebounds and six points. The momentum continued with rookie Stephanie Soares, who helped Dallas secure their first lead by hitting her first career layup, pushing the score to 36-35 in favor of Dallas.
Howard emphasized in the postgame interview that their defensive performance directly impacts their offense by preventing opponents from maintaining possessions.
“Chicago challenged all of us, but it couldn’t stop us from what was going on on the defensive and offensive end,” said Howard. “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.”
Maddy Siegrist also had an impressive third quarter, scoring 10 points and grabbing three rebounds.
Trammell mentioned that she is impressed with Siegrist’s growth in enhancing her defense over the offseason.
“I think she is one of the best in rebounding percentages, knowing when they are coming off,” said Tramell. “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 trust her and like Maddy. I am proud of her.”
Dallas stayed within striking distance, trailing by less than five points for the remainder of the game and down by only three points, 67-70, with just over five minutes left to play.
Natasha Howard tied the game at 73-73 with a 4-foot jumper with over three minutes remaining. However, moments later, a shooting foul was called on Jaelyn Brown, sending Marina Mabrey to the line for two free throws. She made both attempts, giving Chicago a 75-73 lead.
Dallas responded as Arike Ogunbowale sank a four-foot jumper, followed by a two-point shot from Howard assisted by Sevgi Uzun, bringing Dallas ahead 77-75 with just over two minutes left to play.
In the final minute of the game, Dallas could not be stopped. The last plays included a crucial three-pointer by Siegrist, extending Dallas’ lead to 80-75. Ogunbowale then scored a two-pointer and followed it with a steal off Mabrey, finishing at the rim to bring the score to 84-75 with 1:04 remaining.
Ogunbowale closed the game by adding seven more points, sealing the victory for Dallas.
Up Next: The Dallas Wings will remain at home to face the Chicago Sky again on Saturday, May 18th. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
