Paige Bueckers led the Dallas Wings to a 94-88 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday by scoring all 22 of her points in the second half. Bueckers had a strong performance in the third quarter, going 4 of 4 from the field and the free-throw line after a scoreless first half. Arike Ogunbowale also contributed with 21 points, setting season highs in free throws made and attempted by going 13 of 14. Alanna Smith added 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Awak Kuier scored 14 points.
The Wings snapped a three-game losing streak, their longest of the season, despite missing key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd. Shepard was sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained in the previous game, while Fudd has been out for three games with a knee injury.
Marina Mabrey put up 23 points for the Tempo, with 14 of those coming in the fourth quarter as they tried to stage a comeback after trailing by 18 late in the third. Bueckers showcased her all-around game with eight assists and three steals, including a crucial steal that led to a breakaway layup giving Dallas a 10-point lead late in the game.
Although the Tempo managed to cut the deficit to four points in the final minute, Bueckers’ clutch jumper extended the lead to six before Isabelle Harrison was called for a charge. Bueckers shot 7 of 11 from the field in the second half and made all her seven free throws after halftime.
Toronto, missing starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand, saw Laura Juskaite score 18 points and Kia Nurse add 16 in the losing effort.
