Liberty secure second win over Sun as Stewart leads comeback
Breanna Stewart’s 28 points offset absences of key starters as Connecticut falls to 2-11 in Eastern Conference standings
The New York Liberty claimed their second victory over the Connecticut Sun this season, defeating the hosts 89-80 at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday night. Former UConn star Breanna Stewart led the offensive charge for New York, scoring 28 points and grabbing nine rebounds to anchor a squad missing two key starters.
The Liberty entered the contest without Sabrina Ionescu, who was sidelined with a back issue, and Jonquel Jones, who was honoured by the Sun prior to the game but withdrew late due to illness. Stewart shouldered the scoring burden, contributing 10 points in the second quarter and 14 in the first half to help New York maintain a slim 38-35 lead at the interval.
Connecticut, currently last in the Eastern Conference with a 2-11 record, faced significant personnel challenges. Brittney Griner was absent due to a rib injury, and Aneesah Morrow was out with a leg sprain. This forced the Sun to start two former UConn centres, Aaliyah Edwards and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, who each scored 15 points. Edwards added five rebounds, while Nelson-Ododa contributed eight.
New York, now sitting second in the Eastern Conference behind Atlanta with an 8-4 record, seized control in the third quarter. The Liberty opened a 10-point lead during a spurt that held the Sun scoreless for three and a half minutes, extending their advantage to as much as 13 points. Han Xu scored 14 points and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 11 for the visitors.
The Sun attempted a rally in the fourth quarter, with Diamond Miller opening the period with a long three-pointer and finishing with 10 points. However, New York held on for the win. The Sun will next travel to Toronto before returning home on Saturday to host the Indiana Fever.
