SEATTLE-- The Seattle Storm defeated the Connecticut Sun, 79-59, in a wire-to-wire victory to finish the preseason. As both teams prepare for the regular season, they use this game to work out the kinks before the competition heats up. While the Sun fought hard, the Storm's defense was too difficult to overcome.
Although the game started close, Seattle gained the edge, leading 24-12. Li Yueru (LEE YOU-ROO) led the way in the first quarter, scoring nine points, a career-high for the preseason. She finished the contest with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Alysha Clark also contributed with her seven points in the first game of her second stint with the Storm. She also had three rebounds, two assists, and three steals in the win. The Sun failed to see many of their shots fall early, only making five of their 17 attempts (29.4%). Haley Peters led the way with five points, along with her two rebounds and one assist in the period. While Connecticut attempted to weather the Storm, they were unable to do so as both teams entered the locker rooms.
In the second quarter, Seattle extended their lead, 45-32. Nine-time All-Star Nneka Ogwumike (Neh-KUH Oh-gwoo-MIH-kay) scored 10 of her 18 points in the period, which helped the team maintain control of the contest. Skylar Diggins finished the half with nine points, to go along with four assists and two steals. Although their deficit was difficult to overcome, Connecticut was able to make more of their shots in the period, making 12 of their 35 attempts (37.5%). They were led by their veteran center, Tina Charles, who scored nine points, one steal, and two blocks in the half. As the two teams began the second half, Seattle took a larger lead while their younger player saw more action.
As both teams came out of the locker rooms, the Storm extended their lead once again, leading 68-49. Zia Cooke scored five points for Seattle, as she led the younger group of players fighting for a final roster spot. Although Erica Wheeler only scored four points in the win, she added four rebounds, four assists, and one steal, impacting in more ways than scoring. Mackenzie Holmes dominated the glass, grabbing eight rebounds to go along with her nine points and three blocks. Amy Okonkwo (oh-KONG-kwoh) had a strong game with her 10 points to help Connecticut attempt to climb back into the game. She also grabbed four rebounds in the game. In a game where Seattle was in control since the opening tip, their younger players stepped up towards the end of the contest.
The Storm's defense was a strong point in this game, proving their depth on that end can take them far. With the roster needing to be cut down to 12 players by May 15th, Seattle has plenty of options as it focuses on depth and defense. Yueru and Holmes made a strong case to make the roster and have a big role, bolstering the team’s young frontcourt. As the WNBA season begins promptly, Seattle showed in this game that they are still in contention to win the championship.
