DALLAS WINGS SLUMP CONTINUES

- Kelvin Kately, Senior Editor

The Dallas Wings hosted the #4 ranked Seattle Storm on Thursday night in an effort to break their five game losing streak This game closed out the Commissioner's Cup for them. Although they had a setback this game, there is a lot to be hopeful for going forward. The Wings had four starters in double igits, including 24 points from Arike Ogunbowale, who reached the 20-point mark for the 11th consecutive game. This extends her record for most 20-point games in a row to open a season.

Early in the contest, The Wings jumped out to a lead by using ball movement and screens. Teaira McCowan looked dominant in the paint and the combo of Monique Billings and Maddy Siegrist complimented that by attacking the basket. The Seattle Storm kicked up their defense in an early adjustment that seemed slow The Wings down. However, The Wings did a good job of protecting the paint. The defenses from both squads were on point, and we end the quarter 21-19!

In the second quarter, Siegrist did an excellent job of slashing and drawing fouls. This opened up McCowan, and we started to see her take over the paint. Arike was once again quiet in the first half, but hits a HALF COURT shot in the second as time runs out on the shot clock! The Wings defense was tough tonight However, The Seattle Storm could not miss. In the second quarter they shot 70% from the fiel to close the first half, leading 48-40.

The Storm started the third quarter with ball movement on offense to create open looks. Sevgi Uzun quietly impacted this game on defense, and showed great perimeter defense, particularly during this 3rd quarter. However, The Storm started to force turnovers in the 3rd, and applied pressure to Arike that seemed like it started to frustrate her. The story of the 3rd quarter was simply turnovers. At times The Wings seemed to force the ball. When are patient, things happened for them, particularly in the paint. They started to drive and dish, which benefited them We ended the 3rd with another turnover, however. The Storm capitalize and we enter the 4th 71-62!

Arike started the quarter with a much needed 3!! The Storm responded with a fast break score off of a turnover. The Wings tried to push the ball inside but couldn't connect With 4:30 left, it's an 8 point game and The Wings needed a momentum play and seemingly get just that, with a McCown block. On the night, she led the league in blocked shots As good as they were defensively, The Wings struggled to get a rhythm on offense.

Arike hit a three to cut the lea, but The Storm couldn't miss. Although they cut the lead to 7, turnovers just proved to be too much to overcome in the 2n half and we end up with a final score of 92-81.

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