A’ja Wilson recorded 27 points along with eight rebounds, while Jackie Young added 23 points, leading the Las Vegas Aces to a 93-73 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night.
In addition to her scoring, Young contributed eight assists without any turnovers. Chelsea Gray chipped in with 11 points. This game marked the Aces’ first match without NaLyssa Smith, who will be sidelined for the rest of the season due to a left leg injury sustained during Sunday’s 88-78 triumph against Toronto.
For Toronto (11-28), Isabelle Harrison was the top scorer with 15 points, followed by Laura Juskaite with 14 points. Kia Nurse scored 12 points, while both Kiki Rice and reserve Kiana Williams added 10 points each.
With this victory, the Aces (27-13) preserved their slim one-game advantage for third place in the WNBA playoff standings over Indiana (26-14), which defeated Connecticut 111-91.
A timely 3-pointer from Young broke an 8-8 deadlock, allowing Las Vegas to take the lead for the rest of the contest.
The Aces concluded the first quarter with a 27-17 lead, shooting 10 for 20, including 6-of-12 from beyond the arc. Toronto struggled, committing nine turnovers during the first quarter.
Las Vegas continued their effective shooting into the second quarter, extending their lead to 56-39 by halftime.
Although they struggled from three-point range in the second quarter (1-for-6), Las Vegas maintained a shooting percentage of 50 percent overall (18-for-36).
Toronto incurred 12 personal fouls in the first half, allowing the Aces to capitalize by converting 13 of 14 attempts from the foul line.
Upcoming Games
Tempo: Will face the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday.
Aces: Are scheduled to play against the Seattle Storm on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Tag: rewrite-pending
