UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Aaliyah Edwards provided a major spark off the bench with a game-high 21 points, while Brittney Griner added 20 as the Connecticut Sun held off a late rally to edge the Portland Fire 90-87 on Tuesday night at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Sun appeared to seize control in the closing minutes when Leila Lacan raced the length of the floor for a reverse layup, extending Connecticut’s advantage to 90-83 with 1:13 remaining.
Portland refused to go away. After Lacan missed a layup on Connecticut’s next trip and committed a turnover with 20 seconds left, the Fire had one final opportunity to force overtime.
Following a timeout with 7.4 seconds remaining, Carla Leite drove into the paint before kicking the ball out to Bridget Carleton for a potential game-tying three-pointer from the corner. The shot came up short without touching the rim as the buzzer sounded, allowing the Sun to escape with the victory.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 16 points for Connecticut, while Lacan finished with 14 points in an all-around performance. The Sun shot an efficient 53 percent from the field, overcoming a cold night from beyond the arc where they converted just 3 of 14 attempts.
Portland was led by Carla Leite’s 18 points. Megan Gustafson contributed 15 points, Emily Engstler scored 14, and Bridget Carleton chipped in 12.
The Fire nearly erased a double-digit deficit after opening the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run, completing a 13-0 surge that began late in the third period to pull within 72-71. Despite applying pressure throughout the final quarter, Portland was never able to take the lead as Connecticut answered each challenge down the stretch.
The win improved the Sun to 6-18 on the season, while the Fire dropped to 10-14.
Up Next:
The Fire continue their road trip Thursday with a visit to the Washington Mystics. The Sun head west to face the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.
