Aces And Sparks Tie, 85-85, In Final Preseason Game For Both Clubs

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2021)—The Las Vegas Aces concluded their 2021 preseason schedule Saturday, getting a combined 40 points from their dynamic duo of Liz Cambage (21 points) and reigning M’VP A’ja Wilson (19) in an 85-85 tie with Los Angeles.

The Aces lost Angel McCoughtry to a right knee injury with 2:49 gone in the first quarter, suffered while landing after grabbing an offensive rebound. She returned to the bench but did not re-enter the game, and will be evaluated in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Kelsey Plum added a boost off the bench with 14 points, while Riquna Williams drained three from long distance for nine points.

Chelsea Gray made her Aces’ debut Saturday. The 2021 free agent acquisition was late arriving to training camp as she finished up her overseas commitments. She concluded her WNBA-mandated quarantine in time to join Las Vegas for Friday morning’s practice. Gray scored 7 points and handed out 3 assists in 25+ minutes.

Jasmine Walker led the Sparks in scoring with 23 points off the bench, draining 7 of 11 three-pointers. The Sparks went 14 for 31 from long distance on the day. Nneka Ogwumike (12), Te’a Cooper (11) Nia Coffey (11) and Bria Holmes (10) also reached double figures in scoring for LA.

The Aces committed 27 miscues in the game, which the Sparks turned into 30 points.

Las Vegas tips off the 2021 regular season with a pair of 2020 WNBA Finals rematches at Seattle—Saturday, May 15 at 12 pm PT on ABC, and Tuesday, May 18 at 7 pm on ESPN2.