GAME RECAP: Sparks Hold On For, 76-68, Win Over Aces

LOS ANGELES (August 1, 2019)—The Las Vegas Aces erased an 11-point deficit at Staples Center Thursday evening, and led by as many as seven in the second half, but the Sparks held the Aces (14-7) to eight points in the fourth quarter to pick up the 76-68 victory. The loss dropped the Aces one game behind Connecticut (15-6) in the race for first place atop the WNBA standing as the Sun beat the Phoenix Mercury earlier in the day.

KEY RUNS

First Quarter

Las Vegas led 4-3, with 2:55 gone in the first, but the Sparks scored the next 11 points to go up 14-4.

The Aces cut the lead to three at, 18-15, but Los Angeles scored the final eight points of the first quarter and the first two of the second to go up 26-15.

Second Quarter

After Los Angeles opened the second with Kalani Brown putback, Las Vegas scored 12 straight points to take s 27-26 lead.

Third Quarter

Trailing 43-42, Las Vegas scored eight straight to take their largest lead of the game, 50-43

The Aces still led by six, 56-50, with 4:03 to go, but the Sparks scored 13 of the next 15 points to take a lead they would never relinquish.

KEY STATS

Liz Cambage picked up two offensive fouls in the first 1:49 of the game, and sat until the start of the second quarter .

Los Angeles connected on 42.3 percent of its field goal attempts, while Las Vegas made 35.2 percent of its shots.

Las Vegas went 13 for 17 from the free throw line while the Sparks went 7 for 7.

The Sparks outscored the Aces 13-8 in the fourth quarter.

GAME NOTES

Aces streaks and statistics do not include the Las Vegas vs. Washington game from July 5 which was suspended at halftime due to an earthquake.

Dearica Hamby scored in double figures for the 12th time this season (11 points). She also added 11 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season.

Kayla McBride scored in double figures for the 18th time this season (19 points).

Tamera Young grabbed a season-high 7 rebounds, and handed out a season-high 6 assists.

NEXT GAME

The Aces remain on the road this week, traveling to Dallas for a Saturday, August 3 game against the Wings. Tip is slated for 5 pm PT.