Sun Scorch Liberty In Game 1

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

 

Call it overconfidence, cocky or just plain arrogance. The New York Liberty had their way with Connecticut Sun during the regular season winning all four games. Two home games at Barclays Center ended in blowouts. It didn’t matter in game 1 of the semi-final series that took place last Sunday afternoon. The Sun set the tone right from the start, coming away with the 78-63 victory in front of the home team crowd of 9,442.

 

After taking a 25-21 first quarter lead, the Sun trailed at halftime by 3 points. Connecticut then blitzed New York in the second half outscoring the Liberty 28-13 in the third quarter and only allowed 8 Liberty points in the final quarter. 

 

The Sun was led by ex-Liberty DeWanna Bonner who scored 20 points. Said Bobber afterward, “we didn’t think about the regular season. It’s a new season.” Rebecca Allen contributed 18 points as their defense held New York to their lowest points this season. Breanna Stewart struggled all afternoon and led the Liberty with 19 points. She said, “they were being aggressive. I don’t think we handled it well. We didn’t stay poised and composed.” Stewart missed 18 of 25 shots as well as all 8-3-point attempts. 

 

Liberty head coach was confident the team will bounce back. Game 2 took place Tuesday night. “That was the worst game of the season,” said Sandy Brondello. “We have great players and we’ll respond.”