Valkyries slip in return to Chase as loss to Aces trims playoff lead to a half-game
The Valkyries never led in the second half of a 78-72 loss, their second to the Aces in four days, as their hold on the eighth and final postseason berth was trimmed to a half-game over Los Angeles with 15 games to go. Golden State hosts the red-hot Sparks — winners of 8 of 10 — on Saturday.
The Valkyries (14-15) had their third-worst 3-point showing of the season (4 of 22, 18.2%) in their first home game since July 25 after a 3-2 road trip.
While never out of Wednesday's game, they rarely threatened the Aces late.
Even with Tiffany Hayes and Cecilia Zandalasini back from injuries that cost them two games apiece, Golden State's nine assists were a season-low. Veronica Burton left the game after being called for a flagrant foul with 3:20 left in the third quarter and never returned, though she stayed on the bench.
The Valkyries committed 16 turnovers in their fifth home defeat of the season.
Aces (16-14) All-Star center A'ja Wilson scored a game-high 27 points on 8 of 11 floor shooting and 11-for-11 at the line.
The Valkyries opened with a zone defense and held the Aces to 0-for-9 from 3-point range to start. That allowed them to go on a 14-0 run into the second quarter while the offense found its legs. The Aces went scoreless for more than six minutes between the end of the first quarter and the start of the second.
The Aces rebounded to make 11 of 15 shots in the frame and lead 43-38 at the half.
Vegas' lead ballooned to 10 while the Valkyries made avoidable mistakes, from a third-quarter Kate Martin whiffed layup to later a Carla Leite caused turnover-turned-giveaway. Golden State got back within three but never closer.
Hayes led the Valkyries with 14 points. Janelle Salaün added 13, but fouled out near the end of the contest after she was ejected from Sunday's 24-point beating by the Aces.
Jackie Young and Jewell Loyd each added 14 points for the Aces.
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