Brooklyn, NY — The Connecticut Sun wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a strong 94-86 road victory over the New York Liberty on Friday night at Barclays Center. The win gives Connecticut a 1-1 record heading into their regular season opener on May 18.
Veteran forward Tina Charles led the way for the Sun once again, delivering a well-rounded performance with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 24 minutes. Charles shot 6-of-15 from the field and converted all four of her free throw attempts.
Rookie Jacy Sheldon impressed in her first start, posting 16 points on efficient 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds, along with two blocks and a steal. Marina Mabrey, returning to action after sitting out the first preseason game, chipped in with 13 points, three assists, and a steal in 19 minutes.
The Sun shot 48.5% from the field (32-of-66), while the Liberty hit a higher clip at 56.9% (33-of-58). Both teams connected on 11 three-pointers, with Connecticut going 42.3% (11-of-26) and New York slightly better at 47.8% (11-of-23).
Defensively, Connecticut forced 18 Liberty turnovers and capitalized with 29 points off those miscues. The Sun also dominated the boards, outrebounding New York 32-23, and excelled in second-chance opportunities (23-10) and fast break points (15-4). New York held a narrow edge in points in the paint, 40-38.
Marine Johannés led the Liberty with 12 points, all from three-point range. Rebekah Gardner and Jaylyn Sherrod added 11 points apiece, while Kennedy Burke and Marquesha Davis each contributed 10.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
1st Quarter: Both teams exchanged early blows, tied 15-15 at the first timeout. Sheldon sparked the Sun with two early threes. New York closed the quarter strong, leading 27-25, as Sheldon and Mabrey led Connecticut with eight points each. The Sun sank five threes in the opening frame—matching their total from their first preseason game.
2nd Quarter: New York opened with a 5-2 burst before Connecticut responded with a 7-2 run to even the score. The Sun built a lead as large as seven before heading into halftime up 53-50. Charles and Nelson-Ododa each scored eight in the quarter, while Mabrey led all players with 13 points at the break.
3rd Quarter: The Sun began to pull away, using a 15-4 run to end the quarter and grab an 84-68 lead. Charles added seven points in the period, while Yvonne Anderson pitched in six. Sheldon also contributed six in the first half of the quarter to help create separation.
4th Quarter: The Sun maintained control early, leading 89-73 midway through the frame. Despite a late surge from New York, who outscored Connecticut 13-5 down the stretch, the Sun held firm to close out the victory. Rookie Rayah Marshall led Connecticut in the final quarter with five points.
Up Next: The Connecticut Sun return home to kick off their 2025 regular season on Sunday, May 18 at 1:00 PM ET, hosting the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena.
