The Chicago Sky (6-5) returns to action at Allstate Arena for Youth Sports Night on July 10 as they host the Western Conference leading Minnesota Lynx (8-2). The game, set to tip-off at 7:30pm CT, marks the first of the teams’ two-game series in 2015. Minnesota enters the game on a three-game win streak while Chicago will look to continue momentum from its victory over Connecticut last week.

In 2014, the Sky battled the Lynx closely in two games but was unable to come away with a victory. In the first matchup of the season, the Sky and Lynx played a tight game until back-to-back shots from Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen in the final minutes of regulation allowed Minnesota to escape with a 75-72 victory. Jessica Breland recorded a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Sky while Elena Delle Donne and Allie Quigley also scored in double digits with 16 and 15 respectively. Lindsay Whalen led all scorers in the game with 22 points and Seimone Augustus added 17 for Minnesota.

The Sky and Lynx put on an offensive show with both teams shooting 42% from the field. It all came down to free throws, however, as Chicago only got to the line seven times, converting on six, while Minnesota shot 15-of-16 from the line to take the first game of their season series.

In early August the two teams met for a second time as Chicago looked to even the season series. Allie Quigley led the Sky with 20 points and Jessica Breland contributed another notable performance with 12 points and nine rebounds. Free throws once again proved to be the difference maker, however, as Minnesota got to the line on fourteen occasions going 18-for-28 from the line to lift the Lynx over the Sky 74-64. Maya Moore led Minnesota with 17 points. Chicago struggled making it to the free throw line just like game one of the series, shooting 50% on six attempts.

As an improved free throw shooting team in 2015, the Sky will look to avenge their losses from last season with a win over Minnesota on Friday night. The Lynx will have to find a way to stop the WNBA’s leading scorer, Elena Delle Donne, who is averaging 27.2 ppg on the season and shooting 97% from the free throw line. Delle Donne is also second in the league in rebounding, averaging 9.9 rpg through the first 11 games of the season.  Fans should expect to see both teams attacking the paint and looking to get out and run in transition in what will likely be a high scoring and exciting game.

 Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm CT on Friday, July 10. To purchase tickets call 866.SKY.WNBA.