Golden State forced 22 turnovers and pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter.
The Connecticut Sun fell to the Golden State Valkyries, 79-64, Friday night at Mohegan Sun Arena after Golden State capitalized on 22 Connecticut turnovers and used a strong fourth quarter to secure the win.
Connecticut came out strong, building an early 11-4 lead behind Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Leïla Lacan. Golden State responded before the end of the first quarter, cutting the deficit to 19-17, then closed the second on a 13-6 run to take a 30-25 lead into halftime.
The Valkyries maintained control throughout the third quarter before putting the game away in the fourth. Golden State opened the final period on a 13-3 run to extend its lead to 60-44, then followed with consecutive three-pointers from Tina Charles and Veronica Burton to push the advantage to 16. Connecticut was unable to trim the deficit below 14 points the rest of the way.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa led the Sun with 12 points, while Marina Mabrey Miller added 14 and Leïla Lacan contributed eight. Golden State was led by Veronica Burton’s 17 points and Janelle Salaün’s 16.
The Sun will continue their homestand when they host the Portland Fire on Tuesday, July 14.