The Chicago Sky will face the New York Liberty in the final home game of the season. Friday’s game will also be Fan Appreciation Night presented by Wrigley Juicy Fruit. With two games remaining in the regular season, the Sky is in the hunt to secure the fourth playoff seed and a bye in the first round of the 2016 WNBA Playoffs presented by Verizon.
Chicago came out on top in overtime Tuesday night against the Minnesota Lynx at Allstate Arena. Both teams were without a vital contributor on their rosters – Elena Delle Donne for Chicago and Lindsay Whalen for Minnesota. The Sky seemed unfazed even as the Lynx held a 10-point advantage midway through the first quarter; Chicago led 41-39 at the half.
Courtney Vandersloot led the Sky’s offensive charge in the fourth quarter with seven points to overcome a four-point lead by the Lynx with 3:11 remaining. Vandersloot scored Chicago’s last five points of regulation on the free throw line to tie the game at 86 and head into overtime. Key plays by Cappie Pondexter, who tied her season high in scoring with 24 points, and Imani Boyette, who recorded four points, three rebounds and one block in overtime, sealed the 98-97 victory for the home team.
Although New York has already clinched the third playoff spot, the Liberty are on a two-game losing streak after falling to Dallas and Washington in the last week. Tina Charles recorded a double-double (22 points, 11 rebounds) in New York’s 75-62 loss to Washington on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Liberty shot below its season average from the three-point line (37.0%) against Washington, connecting on 4-of-14 (28.6%) three-pointers.
The Sky has dropped both matchups against the Liberty this year, both games decided by less than four points. In the last meeting at Allstate Arena, Allie Quigley scored her career-best 29 points on 6-of-9 (66.7%) shooting from beyond the arc and 10-of-17 (58.8%), overall. New York’s Charles led the visitors in scoring with and rebounding, tallying 29 points and nine rebounds.
Tip-off between the Sky and Liberty is 7:30 p.m. CDT. The game can be viewed on The UToo Sports or online via WNBA League Pass. Chicago will conclude the regular season Sunday, September 18 on the road versus the Seattle Storm. Take advantage of WNBA Super20 savings on single-game tickets through September 18. Visit www.wnbasuper20.com/sky to purchase tickets today.