College Park Center was the place to be on Wednesday's opening marking one of several sold-out games. It was another highly anticipated match coming up on Saturday, since Angel Reese was in town.
Arike Ogunbowale scored 14 of her 25 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Dallas Wings to an 87-79 victory over the Chicago Sky in their season opener. Teaira McCowan and Natasha Howard each recorded double-doubles, helping the Wings take the lead in the final minutes.
With the Wings trailing 75-73 at the 3:16 mark, they went on a 14-point run. Ogunbowale capped the streak with a deep three-pointer, securing an 87-75 lead with just 31 seconds remaining. During this crucial run, Ogunbowale contributed nine points, Howard added two points to her 15-point, 13-rebound performance, and Maddy Siegrist hit a three-pointer, bringing her total to 13 points off the bench. McCowan finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
For the Sky, Marina Mabrey led with 19 points and nine rebounds, while all five starters scored in double figures. Diamond DeShields, , added 14 points. the rookie Angel Reese and Elizabeth Williams, each scored 12 points, and Dana Evans contributed 10 points.
Mabrey's three-pointer gave Chicago a 43-40 halftime lead, with her 13 first-half points and Michaela Onyenwere's back-to-back threes contributing to a 24-14 first-quarter lead. However, Dallas closed the gap, taking a 36-35 lead on an offensive rebound and put back by Stephanie Soares.
A great win to start the season for the Dallas Wings. They will face the Chicago Sky again at home on Saturday, May 18th.