Minnesota Lynx defeated Connecticut Sun 86-80 on Wednesday night in the Women’s National Basketball Association, with Kayla McBride proving the pivotal figure after a 23-point display helped swing a tight fixture in the fourth quarter and secure another impressive road result for the visitors at Mohegan Sun Arena.
This was a contest that stayed within reach for long stretches, and Connecticut looked well placed at halftime after taking a 45-41 advantage into the break. The Sun were sharper through the middle stages of the match, moving the ball well enough to create good looks and getting productive minutes from Leila Lacan, who finished with 15 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Minnesota, though, never let the match drift away. The Lynx stayed efficient from the perimeter, knocking down 10 of 22 from three-point range at 45.5 percent, and that shooting edge ultimately separated the sides. While Connecticut hit only six threes at 26.1 percent, the visitors kept finding timely baskets whenever the Sun threatened to build real control.
The third quarter did little to split them, with Connecticut edging the period 20-19 to carry a 65-60 lead into the final frame. From there, the match turned. Minnesota produced a composed closing quarter, outscoring the Sun 26-15 over the last 10 minutes. That late surge was the decisive passage, as the Lynx executed more cleanly in half-court possessions and took better care of key scoring moments.
McBride led the way with 23 points and gave Minnesota the reliable attacking presence they needed when the match tightened. Natasha Howard added a double-double influence on the glass with 10 rebounds, while Courtney Williams steered possession effectively with seven assists. Together, that trio gave the Lynx balance: perimeter scoring, interior work and playmaking control.
For Connecticut, Lacan’s all-around display stood out, and Nell Angloma’s seven rebounds helped the Sun stay competitive physically. The home side also got to the foul line plenty, making 22 of 27 free throws, but their shooting from the floor proved harder to overcome. Connecticut finished at 40.0 percent overall, compared with Minnesota’s 46.7 percent, and that gap became more significant as the fixture wore on.
Key performers
Minnesota Lynx: Kayla McBride was the standout with 23 points, Courtney Williams contributed seven assists, and Natasha Howard collected 10 rebounds in an important road victory.
Connecticut Sun: Leila Lacan posted 15 points, six rebounds and six assists to lead the home side, while Nell Angloma added seven rebounds.
NerdSports Stat: Minnesota overturned a five-point deficit entering the fourth quarter by winning the final period by 11, a 16-point swing built on their 45.5 percent three-point shooting compared with Connecticut’s 26.1 percent.
The result strengthens Minnesota’s push near the top of the league table, improving the Lynx to 16-6 and underlining just how dangerous they are away from home at 10-2 on the road. Connecticut drop to 5-17 and will look for a stronger closing stretch in their next fixture after letting a winnable match slip in the final quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goal scorers were recorded in this Women’s National Basketball Association fixture. Kayla McBride led all scorers with 23 points, while Leila Lacan led Connecticut with 15 points.
Connecticut Sun 80 – 86 Minnesota Lynx.
Minnesota Lynx improve to 16-6 and remain firmly in the upper part of the standings, while Connecticut Sun fall to 5-17 and continue to chase ground in the table.
Kayla McBride was the standout performer with 23 points in Minnesota’s 86-80 win.
