Los Angeles Sparks defeat Dallas Wings 87-81 as Dearica Hamby scores 27 points

In a match between WNBA cellar dwellers, Los Angeles Sparks upset Dallas Wings 87-81 on Saturday. The Sparks won their third game in a row behind the 27 points scored by Dearica Hamby and the 23 points contributed by Rickea Jackson.

Azura Stevens led the Sparks (6-17) in scoring with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, and 3 blocks while making 6 of 10 field goals and 4 of 4 three-pointers. Aari McDonald added 12 points to her total.

Stevens scored a 3-pointer with 5:49 remaining to ignite an 11-1 run that gave Los Angeles Sparks an 80-73 lead when Hamby's shot ended the rally with 3:49 left. With 2:28 remaining, Arike Ogunbowale scpredtwo free throws to cut Dallas' deficit to 80-77, but Hamby responded with a layup, Aari McDonald followed with a pair of foul shots, and the Wings couldn't get any closer.

Odyssey Sims scored 23 points to lead Dallas Wings (5-19). Since joining the team on June 25, she has scored in double digits in seven out of the eight games, including the past six. Teaira McCowan scored 10, Natasha Howard scored 14, and Kalani Brown scored 13. Ogunbowale scored 12 points while shooting only 2 of 14 and making five turnovers.

In last 12 games Los Angeles Sparks has won twice

Los Angeles won for only the second time in the previous 12 games. Since May 28, the Sparks have won four games, two against the Wings and two against the Las Vegas Aces. Jackson scored six points in an 11-0 run to end the first quarter, and Stevens nailed a 3-pointer and followed with a layup to give Los Angeles its first lead at 20-18. Jackson's basket to start the second quarter gave the Sparks a 24-18 lead.

Hamby scored 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while Jackson added 12 points as the Sparks led 45-44 at halftime. Los Angeles shot 56% (20 of 36) and had eight thefts in the first half, three of which came from Stevens, who also had eight points and six rebounds.