Dallas Wings Defeat Atlanta in Exciting Season Opener
Arike Ogunbowale drives on the Atlanta Dream in Saturday’s Dallas’ 85 - 78 win.
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Arlington - The Dallas Wings entered Saturday’s season opener with both a new look and a new attitude. The team impressively defeated the Atlanta Dream 85 - 78 in front of a packed home crowd.
The Wings would not only take an early lead in this game, but they never relinquished their lead. As expected, star player Arike Ogunbowale led the team in scoring with 27 points. She was guarded much of the game by former Wings guard Allisha Gray.
Veteran Natasha Howard had a very impressive debut with the Wings, scoring 20 points and collecting 10 rebounds, as well as securing three steals and two blocks.
Much to the delight of Wings’ new coach Latricia Trammell - Satou Sabally had a clutch performance with 25 points.
“She (Sabally) feels really good; her body feels good and she’s mentally in a good space,” says Trammell. “She wants this to be her break out season and I think she proved that determination this afternoon.”
Dallas' Teaira McCowan left early in the third quarter due to an apparent left knee injury. She did not return to the game. The Wings showed some early season resiliency after McCowan went to the locker room. Their 17 point half time lead would be cut down to just three points when Gray converted a three-point play with only 1:04 to play.
A very composed Veronica Burton and an energetic Sabally each made two free throws to help the Wings maintain the lead and secure the win.
Rhyne Howard had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Dream, but only converted on eight of her 24 shots from the field. Cheyenne Parker added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Dream.
The Wings undoubtedly feel great about this victory. The team will head to Seattle for their next game on Friday.
“This team - I want to be around them,” says Trammell, when asked about team chemistry and cohesiveness. “I know that’s not basketball related, but I think many times it’s bigger than basketball.”
