UNCASVILLE, CT- New York Liberty (7-10) outlasted the Connecticut Sun (12-6) behind Stefanie Dolson’s 16 points and six rebounds and Sabrina Ionescu’s 11 points and 11 rebounds in an 81-77 win.
Liberty jumped to an early 15-6 lead with 4:48 left in the first quarter. However, Connecticut responded with a 7-0 run to cut their deficit to two points.
Liberty ended the first quarter on a 12-4 run and entered the second quarter with a 27-17 lead.
Connecticut went on an 11-0 run at the start of the second quarter to take a 28-27 lead. But New York countered with a 20-6 run to take a 47-34 with 2:48 left in the first half.
Liberty finished the first half with a 51-42 lead over the Sun.
New York had all leverage with a 7-0 run within the final two minutes of the third quarter and a 65-54 lead. Connecticut was down 65-58 to enter the fourth quarter.
The Sun outscored the Liberty 19-16 in the fourth quarter but New York was able to leave the game with the upset.
Natasha Howard and Michaela Onyenwere scored 14 points each and Marine Johannes scored 11 points for New York.
Liberty Rains Threes
New York was just simply hot from deep throughout the game, shooting 13-32 (40.6%) from the three-point line.
Connecticut didn’t have an answer when it came to defending against the deep ball. Even on the offensive end, Connecticut shot 5-of-15 (33.3%) from three this game.
The Sun tried taking advantage of going to the paint to combat New York’s onslaught of threes, but at the end of the day, threes are worth more than twos.
It’s one thing where your best defense is your offense but it’s another thing when your defense couldn’t prevent New York from making one of the deadliest shots in the game.
When Connecticut went on an 11-0 run in the second quarter, they prevented Liberty from making their shots. Unfortunately, New York got hot and Connecticut had to play from behind for the whole game.
Up Next
The Atlanta Dream will host New York Liberty on June 24, 7:30 pm est.
The Connecticut Sun will travel to Atlanta to face off against the Dream on June 26, 3 pm est.
 outlasted the Connecticut Sun (12-6) behind Stefanie Dolson's 16 points and six rebounds and Sabrina Ionescu's 11 points and 11 rebounds in an 81-77 win.){kind=link}