Without A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces Stage Scrappy Fourth Quarter Comeback To Defeat Dallas, 88-84, Before Packed House Friday
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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — The Las Vegas Aces did not have their three-time MVP, A’ja Wilson, for tonight’s game against the Dallas Wings. She was out because of concussion protocol linked to an injury in an Aces loss two nights ago.
But even without their franchise star, the Aces staged a gritty comeback to defeat Dallas, 88-84, after trailing by double digits in the fourth quarter to improve to 5-4 on the season.
Dallas’ Paige Bueckers, the WNBA’s overall number one draft pick, came to Las Vegas for the first time but Wilson was not around to play against the former Duke star Friday.
It was another packed house at Michelob ULTRA Arena, where a Wilson-less Aces team defeated a Dallas team that has won only one game in its first 12 games this season.
Wilson missed the game for concussion protocol after getting struck in the face with the heal of the left hand of Los Angeles Sparks player Dearica Hamby after Wilson blocked her former teammate’s shot in an Aces loss to the Sparks two nights ago. It was purely accidental and a basketball play as Hamby’s hand came down and struck the middle of Wilson’s face on her follow through.
Moved into the starting lineup to replace Wilson’s spot was Elizabeth Kitley.
With Wilson out, Aces guard Jewell Loyd enjoyed a big game in the first half, pouring in 16 points as Las Vegas claimed a 49-40 lead at halftime. Arike Ogunbowale also had 16 points for Dallas.
But Dallas broke out to an 18-0 run to start the third and the Wings led Las Vegas, 60-51, in the third. After three: Wings 70 Aces 64. Dallas outscored Las Vegas, 30-15, in the third before the Aces turned the tables in the fourth, outscoring the Wings, 24-14.
The Dallas lead ballooned to double digits in the final quarter before Jackie Young (28 points) and Loyd (21 points) led the Aces to the win. Dallas’ Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 26 points, while Bueckers had 16.
Before the game, LVSportsBiz.com chatted with Aces team president Nikki Fargas, who said the team will not be hiring a new general manager “any time soon.” The Aces are relying on a collaborative effort including Aces head coach Becky Hammon and several others, Fargas said.
