Arike Ogunbowale delivered a historic performance for the Dallas Wings on Wednesday night, scoring a WNBA playoff‑record 45 points. Her scoring outburst, which included a clutch three‑pointer in the final seconds of regulation, helped Dallas beat the Golden State Valkyries 108‑100 in overtime and force a decisive Game 3.
Record‑setting night
Ogunbowale opened the extra period with a three‑pointer and added another with 1:46 left to give the Wings a 103‑100 lead. The 45‑point total more than doubled her previous playoff high of 24 points and set a new benchmark for postseason scoring.
Key moments
With the game tied 93‑93 and just 4.1 seconds remaining, Ogunbowale sank an off‑balance corner three to send the contest into overtime. A controversial offensive‑foul call on Golden State’s Gabby Williams was later overturned on replay, leading to a jump ball at center court with three seconds left. The Valkyries missed the ensuing desperation shot, and the Wings carried the momentum into the extra period.
During overtime, both Ogunbowale and Tiffany Hayes were called for flagrant fouls after contact, but each converted a pair of free throws to keep the Wings ahead. The Valkyries were unable to score again, shooting just 2‑of‑12 in the period.
Supporting performances
Williams contributed a career‑high 36 points, though she missed all six of her shots in the final 1:31 of overtime. Alysha Clark matched her playoff career high with 21 points, and Aziaha James added 13. For the Valkyries, Kaila Charles scored 14 and Kayla Thornton had 13, while Cecilia Zandalasini was limited to five points after a 22‑point effort in the series opener.
Looking ahead
The deciding Game 3 will be played Friday night in San Francisco. The Valkyries entered the series with a dominant 24‑point victory in Game 1 and will look to advance to the next round for the first time in the franchise’s second season.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
