The Connecticut Sun’s best efforts ultimately went to waste against the Atlanta Dream.
The Sun lost to the Dream 78-75 on Wednesday at State Farm Arena, extending their losing streak to five WNBA games and dropping their record to 9-6. The Dream, meanwhile, improved to 4-10 with the win.
Connecticut overturned an early deficit to produce a tight contest, However, poor shooting and costly turnovers doomed the Sun to another defeat.
Sun stars Courtney Williams and Jonquel Jones shot a combined 6-for-26. Bria Holmes picked up some of the slack by scoring a season-high 12 points.
However, Dream center Elizabeth Williams powered her team with a season-high 17 points, and forward Jessica Breland grabbed 13 rebounds in the winning effort.
Here’s how it all went down:
STARTING FIVE
PG: Jasmine Thomas
SG: Courtney Williams
SF: Alyssa Thomas
PF: Shekinna Stricklen
C: Jonquel Jones
SUN START SLOWLY
Connecticut allowed Atlanta to score a season-high 29 points first-quarter points and scored just 17 that period.
SUN ON RUN
The Sun outscored the Dream 15-4 in the opening four-plus minutes of the second quarter to seize the lead, largely thanks to an improbable scoring outburst from Natisha Hiedeman, whom Connecticut reacquired last week off waivers.
BACK-AND-FORTH WE GO
Connecticut erased its two-point halftime deficit just seconds into the third quarter. The teams exchanged baskets throughout the period, during which the lead changed seven times. The score was tied 56-56 heading into the fourth.
PLAYING CATCH-UP
Kristine Anigwe gave the Sun a five-point lead by hitting this basket and the ensuing free throw with 8:30 remaining in the game.
But the Sun surrendered the advantage in just over one minute and had to play from behind for the duration. However, the Sun never stopped, especially as the clock ticked toward zero.
PLAY OF THE GAME
Williams endured a difficult shooting night, but her 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining gave the Sun hope of snatching the victory.
She had a chance to tie the game seconds later but missed.
UP NEXT
The Sun will host the Phoenix Mercury on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
