UNCASVILLE, Conn.— The Connecticut Sun wrapped up their 2026 preseason slate Sunday night with a 79–67 defeat against the New York Liberty at Mohegan Sun Arena, leaving both teams at 1–1 heading into the regular season.
Brittney Griner paced Connecticut with 16 points, knocking down a pair of three-pointers to match a career best. Olivia Nelson-Ododa contributed nine points on efficient 4-for-7 shooting, while Aneesah Morrow controlled the glass with eight boards, leading the team in that category for the second time this preseason. Kennedy Burke and Saniya Rivers each added four assists.
New York got on the board first at the free-throw line, setting the tone for a physical opening quarter. Both teams initially struggled to find offensive rhythm until Morrow ended a scoring lull with a layup. Frequent whistles worked in the Liberty’s favor, as Jonquel Jones and Anneli Maley capitalized from the line to keep the scoreboard moving despite inconsistent half-court execution.
Connecticut countered with interior scoring from Griner and Rivers, staying within reach as Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart produced inside for New York. Marine Johannes briefly shifted momentum with a three-pointer, but Griner responded from beyond the arc to even the score midway through the period. Still, the Liberty’s steady parade to the foul line—12 attempts in the quarter—helped them maintain a narrow edge. Late free throws and a buzzer-beating layup gave New York the advantage at the end of the first.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern early, with turnovers and defensive pressure disrupting both offenses. Morrow again broke through with a tough finish, while Jones extended New York’s lead with a three-pointer. Griner continued her strong night inside and out, helping cut the deficit to 32–26 midway through the quarter.
A quick six-point burst from Connecticut brought the Sun within striking distance, but Stewart and Maley answered to keep the Liberty in front. Griner then sparked another run with a three-pointer—her second of the game—followed by a deep shot from Burke that tied the contest. However, New York closed the half strong behind Astier, taking a slim lead into the break.
Scoring slowed in the third quarter, with Diamond Miller and Ionescu opening the period for their respective teams. Jones caught fire from long range, hitting two three-pointers and leading all scorers in the quarter with eight points. Connecticut struggled to generate offense, managing just 13 points in the frame, while New York built separation from beyond the arc to carry a 61–53 lead into the fourth.
The Liberty wasted little time extending their advantage in the final quarter, as Derin Erdogan scored five quick points. Harmoni Turner helped organize the Sun offense and chipped in five points of her own, as Connecticut saw contributions from multiple players. Still, Johannes knocked down two late three-pointers to push the lead to double digits in the closing minute.
New York’s success at the free-throw line—finishing with 22 attempts—helped seal the preseason victory. The two teams will meet again to open the regular season on Friday, May 8.
Despite the loss, Connecticut shot a solid 40.9% from the field compared to New York’s 36.9% and matched the Liberty on the boards with 33 rebounds apiece. The Sun also dominated in the paint, outscoring New York 40–26, though the Liberty’s defensive pressure (11 steals) proved to be a key difference.
