The Dallas Wings secured a 94-88 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday, with Paige Bueckers showcasing a remarkable performance by scoring all 22 of her points in the second half. Bueckers, who struggled in the first half by missing all seven of her shots, went 4 for 4 from both the field and the free-throw line in a stellar 13-point third quarter. This win ended the Wings’ three-game losing streak, the longest they had experienced this season.
Arike Ogunbowale contributed 21 points, setting season highs in free throws and attempts by making 13 of 14, while Alanna Smith recorded 13 points and 11 rebounds. Awak Kuier added 14 points to the scoreboard. Notably, Dallas played without key players Jessica Shepard and Azzi Fudd. Shepard sustained an ankle injury in the previous game against Minnesota, while Fudd has been sidelined for three games due to a knee injury.
Marina Mabrey was the top performer for the Tempo, scoring 14 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter and helping the team narrow the gap to three points after trailing by 18 late in the third quarter. Bueckers showcased her all-around skills by recording eight assists and three steals, one of which led to a crucial breakaway layup that extended Dallas’ lead to 10 points with 3:03 left on the clock.
Although the Tempo managed to reduce the deficit to four points in the final minute, Bueckers responded with a key jumper to push the lead back to six before Isabelle Harrison was charged with a foul. Bueckers excelled in the second half, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and making all seven of her free throws.
For Toronto, Laura Juskaite contributed 18 points, and Kia Nurse added 16 points to the team’s scoreline. The Tempo were without starters Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand for this matchup.