Liberty falter against Wings in Breanna Stewart's absence

Arike Ogunbowale posted 20 points and a career-high 14 assists, while Paige Bueckers added 20 points as the Dallas Wings held off a late surge by the New York Liberty to win 92-82 on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

The Wings, who came into the game with the league’s second-worst record at 7-19, dominated early and led by 30 points in the third quarter before the Liberty stormed back.



New York cut the deficit to just six with under two minutes remaining, holding Dallas scoreless for over six minutes. However, Bueckers and DiJonai Carrington each hit a pair of clutch free throws to seal the win.

Luisa Geiselsoder chipped in 14 points for Dallas, which earned just its second win in the past eight games.

The Liberty (17-8), missing All-Star forward Breanna Stewart due to a lower right leg injury sustained Saturday against the Sparks, struggled early without their MVP. Jonquel Jones led New York with 18 points, while Sabrina Ionescu added 17. Stephanie Talbot and Isabelle Harrison contributed 10 points apiece.


Dallas raced to a 16-2 start behind early buckets from Ogunbowale and Bueckers. They built a 23-6 lead before New York responded, closing the first quarter down 31-19. The Wings opened the second quarter with a 10-1 run and extended the margin to 63-36 by halftime.


Though the Liberty showed late fight, the absence of Stewart was glaring as they began a four-game road trip hoping for her return.