Key facts
- The Portland Fire defeated the Dallas Wings 84-83.
- Emily Engstler's free throw with 1.7 seconds remaining secured the win for the Fire.
- Bridget Carleton led the Fire with 20 points.
- Arike Ogunbowale scored 22 points for the Dallas Wings.
- The victory ended a four-game losing streak for the Portland Fire.
- The Dallas Wings played without Paige Bueckers due to an ankle injury.
The Portland Fire secured an 84-83 victory over the Dallas Wings, snapping a four-game losing streak. Emily Engstler made the decisive free throw with just 1.7 seconds left on the clock to seal the win for Portland.
Bridget Carleton was the leading scorer for the Fire with 20 points, including six successful 3-pointers. Megan Gustafson contributed 16 points, while Emily Engstler added 11. Sarah Ashlee Barker and Carla Leite each scored 10 points, with Leite also dishing out eight assists.
The Dallas Wings, playing without superstar guard Paige Bueckers who was sidelined with an ankle injury, were led by Arike Ogunbowale with 22 points. Azzi Fudd added 18 points, Aziaha James scored 17, and Jessica Shepard recorded a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The game was a close contest throughout, with multiple lead changes in the final minutes. Jessica Shepard's three-point play gave Dallas a 76-73 lead, and Azzi Fudd's three-point play put them ahead 83-81 with 19 seconds remaining. However, Carla Leite drove for a tying layup, and Engstler ultimately secured the win from the free-throw line.
Portland's defense held Dallas to 39.2% shooting from the field. The Fire improved their record to 7-8, while the Wings fell to 8-5. Both teams are competing in Commissioner's Cup play.