Ogunbowale and Howard Lead Wings to Comeback Win Over Sparks

Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard lead the Wings to a 113-110 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. | © 2024 Miss Ari Photography

Arlington - The Dallas Wings (7-22) did on Sunday afternoon exactly what the entire league knows this team is capable of doing - they rode the backs of their starters and defeated the Los Angeles Sparks (6-23) 113-110. 

Los Angeles controlled much of the game, led by an inspired performance from former Dallas player Odyssey Sims. The veteran guard, in only her fourth game with the Sparks, scored a team-high 26 points and had 10 assists. The Sparks held a comfortable 19-point fourth-quarter lead until Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard lead the Wings in a stunning surge of offense.

The comeback doesn’t negate impressive outings by rookie Rickea Jackson, who scored 25 points and Dearica Hamby who finished with 21 points. 

Midway through the fourth quarter, the home fans appeared to prepare themselves for yet another frustrating defeat. Latricia Trammel's team, however, had different plans. Dallas began chipping away at the LA lead, but still trailed by 13 with just under five minutes remaining in the game.

Ogunbowale led all scorers with 33 points and played every minute of the Sunday afternoon matchup. Natasha Howard finished the night with 30 points on 11-15 shooting. Her aggressive play earned her 10 free throw attempts. Satou Sabally added 19 points for Dallas. Tierra McGowan also had another strong performance, with 17 points and 11 rebounds.  

Ogunbowale brought her team within seven points on a long three pointer with just under two minutes. The Wings’ defense then turned up the pressure. LA would not score again until a late free throw by Stephanie Talbot.

Dallas begins a five game home stand with the win and will face Las Vegas on Tuesday.