Dallas Surges in Second Half to Defeat Dream in Game One

Dallas’ Teaira McCowan completed a double-double, with 17 points and 14 rebounds in game one.

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Arlington - The Dallas Wings survived an early 20 point deficit against the Atlanta Dream Friday night, rallying for a 94-82 game one playoff victory.

While the Wings’ offense got off to a slow start, Satou Sabally did not. She scored 13 of the Wings first quarter points. It was in fact Sabally’s first half effort that kept Dallas within reaching distance, as Atlanta rookie Rhyne Howard absolutely dominated from three-point range, hitting eight of 15 from beyond the arc.

Sabally finished the game with a team high 32 points. Howard slowed down in the second half, but still led her team with 36 points.

Dallas struggled to contain both Howard and former Dallas guard Allisha Gray, but still managed to tie the ball game at 49 going into halftime.

Odyssey Sims played the most minutes at point guard Friday night. Not only did she control the offense, but she also scored eight points - including two big three pointers.

After a very back-and-forth third quarter, Atlanta’s Aari McDonald's layup gave Atlanta a 76-73 lead early in the fourth quarter. Sabally countered with a three pointer and Teaira McCowan followed with an offensive rebound and a put back on the next possession. Dallas wouldn’t trail again.

Arike Ogunbowale finished the night with 24 points. Her emphatic steal from Gray and a breakaway layup ignited the crowd late in the fourth. Despite her visible frustration over missed free throw attempts, McCowan completed game one with 17 points and 14 important rebounds.

The best of three series will continue Tuesday night in Dallas.