The Sky continue their five-game home stretch on Saturday, Aug. 1 against the Las Vegas Aces. On July 30, Chicago claimed victory in their first matchup since All-Star break against the Sun, 94-88. The Sky trail the all-time season series against the Aces, 21-31.

Earlier this season, Chicago lost in back-to-back close contests against Las Vegas. On June 28, the Sky fell 107-99 in the United Center. Despite the loss, the Sky were fueled by a standout 24-point performance from Sky center Kamilla Cardoso. Shortly after on July 3, Chicago came up short 98-90 in an intense overtime face-off in Las Vegas.

In the most recent overtime battle, Chicago came back from a 14-point deficit to lead for the first time in regulation with 3:47 minutes left of the fourth quarter. The push to force overtime was led by Cardoso who scored 10 points, pulled down five rebounds and blocked two shots in the fourth quarter.

Natasha Cloud was a key player off the bench, notching 15 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals while shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arc and 83% from the line. In just her third game back from injury, Courtney Vandersloot put up 11 points, two steals and three assists in her 19 minutes played.

Despite the impressive effort by the Sky, Las Vegas ultimately pulled away behind NaLyssa Smith’s season-high 29-point and eight-rebound performance. Chelsea Grey contributed from both sides of the court with 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals.

Since their last meeting, both teams have seen key players return to the lineup. The Sky’s DiJonai Carrington made her franchise debut in Chicago’s recent matchup against Connecticut, posting nine points, three rebounds and a block in just 17 minutes. The Aces were missing eight-time All-Star A’ja Wilson during the overtime game due to injury. Wilson currently leads the league in points per game (26.4) and blocks per game (2.0) for the season.

Las Vegas most recently won at home against New York, 104-99. With both teams coming off of recent victories, Saturday’s game will be sure to be filled with energy and determination to extend their winning streaks.

The game between Chicago and Las Vegas tips off at noon CT in Wintrust Arena and will be broadcast on CBS.