The Sun’s early momentum faded as the Sky battled back behind a dominant second-half performance.
The Connecticut Sun fought until the final buzzer but could not overcome the late deficit, falling 94-88 to the Chicago Sky on Thursday night.
Connecticut controlled much of the first half, setting the tone with strong interior play and efficient scoring. The Sun held a 26-24 advantage after the opening quarter and extended their lead to as many as 14 points in the second quarter before entering halftime with a 49-40 lead.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa provided a spark for Connecticut throughout the game, making an impact on both ends of the floor. The forward finished with 16 points while contributing key rebounds, blocks and steals that helped the Sun maintain momentum early.
However, the Sky began to shift the momentum in the second half. Chicago chipped away at Connecticut’s lead in the third quarter, using defensive pressure and timely shot-making to bring the game back within reach. A three-pointer from the Sky helped cut into the deficit, and Chicago entered the fourth quarter trailing by just five points.
The final period became a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading baskets and the lead changing hands multiple times. Connecticut tied the game at 70 early in the fourth quarter, but Chicago responded with a late offensive push led by Kamilla Cardoso.
Cardoso proved difficult for the Sun to contain down the stretch, scoring key baskets and converting at the free-throw line to help the Sky pull away in the closing minutes. Chicago’s ability to generate offense inside ultimately proved to be the difference.
Despite the loss, the Sun celebrated an individual milestone as Leïla Lacan surpassed 500 career points. The second-year guard finished with 12 points, five assists and three rebounds in the effort.. The Sun will look to carry the positives from their early performance into their next matchup as they continue the season.
