LAS VEGAS. NV — Jackie Young delivered a clutch performance Friday night, pouring in 28 points and going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line during a game-ending 17-2 run that lifted the Las Vegas Aces to a thrilling 88-84 comeback victory over the Dallas Wings.
With reigning MVP A’ja Wilson sidelined due to concussion protocol following a head injury earlier in the week, the Aces (5-4) leaned on their backcourt depth. Jewell Loyd stepped up with 21 points, including a momentum-shifting three-pointer with just 28.3 seconds remaining to give Las Vegas the lead. Chelsea Gray added 13 points and a key offensive rebound that led to Loyd’s dagger from the corner.
Despite Dallas building a double-digit lead late in the fourth quarter, the Wings (1-11) faltered down the stretch. They were outscored 17-2 over the final 3:55, unable to respond as the Aces capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities.
Arike Ogunbowale led the Wings with 26 points, while Paige Bueckers — returning to form after a four-game absence — contributed 16. DiJonai Carrington chipped in 15 and Luisa Geiselsoder had 13.
Geiselsoder’s bucket with 3:55 to play gave Dallas an 82-71 cushion, but the offense went cold until Bueckers hit two free throws with 8.1 seconds left. By then, Young had already iced the game at the line to secure the win for Las Vegas.
The Aces dominated at the stripe, finishing 26-of-28 on free throws, compared to Dallas’s 10-of-11. Las Vegas turned up the defensive pressure late, converting four Dallas turnovers and grabbing four offensive boards during their final surge.
Earlier, the Wings looked poised for a turnaround after unleashing an 18-0 run to open the third quarter, erasing a nine-point halftime deficit and building a 58-49 lead. But Las Vegas clawed back, cutting the gap to 70-64 entering the fourth despite committing 10 turnovers that resulted in 14 Dallas points.
The Aces showed resilience without their star, while Dallas’s losing streak extended to seven as they continue to search for answers.
