Uncasville, Conn. – A dominant performance from Tina Charles lifted the Connecticut Sun to a much-needed 93-83 victory over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, ending their frustrating 10-game losing streak. Charles delivered a season-high 29 points and grabbed 11 boards, leading the Sun to their first win since June 6, improving their record to 3-16.
In a game that saw the Sun trail for much of the contest, Charles made her presence felt in the final minutes. With 5:36 left in the fourth quarter, she hit a key baseline jumper, giving Connecticut its first lead of the game at 79-77. The Sun’s momentum continued, with Charles scoring two quick layups off a steal by Saniya Rivers, pushing the lead to 91-81. The Sun finished strong, closing out the game with 11 consecutive points.
Charles was efficient throughout the night, finishing 11-of-22 from the field, marking her sixth 20-point game of the season. Alongside her, Jacy Sheldon added 16 points, while Bria Hartley contributed 15 points. Rivers, who sparked the Sun’s second-half push, scored all 11 of her points in the first five minutes of the third quarter.
For Seattle (13-7), Skylar Diggins led the way with 23 points and seven assists, while Gabby Williams chipped in with 21 points. Nneka Ogwumike posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Ezi Magbegor also finished in double figures. The Storm, however, could not hold onto their lead after a strong first half, where their starters combined for 43 points and led 49-41 at the break.
Seattle’s lead grew to 74-66 at the end of the third quarter after a four-point possession. Diggins made a layup while being fouled and, after a technical foul on Connecticut’s Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Diggins converted both free throws to extend the Storm’s lead to eight.
Despite Seattle’s efforts, the Sun’s late surge proved too much for the Storm to overcome. Connecticut now turns its attention to its next matchup, as the teams will meet again on Friday for the Storm’s four-game homestand, with Seattle having won the earlier meeting 97-81 in Seattle on June 27.
The Connecticut Sun’s win is a much-needed boost, offering a glimpse of hope as they continue their season.
