Liberty and Middle Tennessee play for CUSA Championship
Huntsville, Alabama; Saturday, 5:30 p.m. EDT
BOTTOM LINE: Liberty plays Middle Tennessee in the CUSA Championship.
The Flames are 18-2 against CUSA opponents and 6-4 in non-conference play. Liberty scores 72.3 points and has outscored opponents by 12.0 points per game.
The Raiders' record in CUSA action is 18-2. Middle Tennessee is 23-2 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 12.7 turnovers per game.
Liberty averages 8.1 made 3-pointers per game, 2.2 more made shots than the 5.9 per game Middle Tennessee gives up. Middle Tennessee has shot at a 41.6% clip from the field this season, 4.4 percentage points greater than the 37.2% shooting opponents of Liberty have averaged.
The teams meet for the third time this season. Liberty won 61-42 in the last matchup on March 7. Bella Smuda led Liberty with 21 points, and Anastasiia Boldyreva led Middle Tennessee with 16 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Smuda is scoring 12.1 points per game and averaging 6.6 rebounds for the Flames. Asia Boone is averaging 11.8 points and 2.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Jalynn Gregory averages 2.7 made 3-pointers per game for the Raiders, scoring 13.5 points while shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc. Ta'Mia Scott is averaging 18.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Flames: 9-1, averaging 69.8 points, 32.5 rebounds, 14.4 assists, 6.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 57.6 points per game.
Raiders: 9-1, averaging 62.6 points, 30.9 rebounds, 12.6 assists, 7.8 steals and 6.8 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 47.1 points.
___
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Liberty's Isabelle Harrison sheds reminder of devastating knee injury
We've got you covered on the Liberty beat Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Madeline Kenney about all things Liberty and WNBA. tRY IT NOW For more than a year, Isabelle Harrison wore a bulky brace on her left knee. It was a constant reminder of her surgically repaired torn meniscus that kept her out for the 2023 season. Advertisement 'I hated looking at it,' Harrison said Monday. 'I hated seeing it in pictures; I didn't want to post them on social media. I was just really over it.' Harrison wasn't quite 100 percent last season when she suited up for the Sky. Even at Athletes Unlimited this offseason, Harrison said she was working her way back to full strength. Advertisement 3 Isabelle Harrison makes a move against the Connecticut Sun on May 9, 2025. Getty Images Two weeks ago, though, Harrison felt it was time to take that next step in her healing. Feeling as strong as she felt in years — both physically and mentally — she ditched the brace. She saw it as a sign of not only strength but improvement. Advertisement 3 Isabelle Harrison goes to the basket against the Toyota Antelopes in an exhibition on May 12, 2025. Getty Images 'I just kind of took a leap of faith because sometimes it's physical, but it's also mental,' Harrison said. 'I missed the whole year prior because of that, and I just didn't want to do anything to risk it. But I'm at a point now where … I have been put in a really good program for my weights. 'Taking it off, it was a little scary. I'm not going to lie. When I went to rebound I didn't want to step too far to the left. But again, over time, trusting myself, and it's a process.' Advertisement Harrison already made peace with the fact she'll never be the player she was before her most recent knee injury. Her focus now is on being whatever the Liberty need her to be. The first few weeks of training camp and this season were overwhelming at times for Harrison. The Liberty have numerous layers to their motion offense. And Harrison had never played in a five-out scheme. It took time for her to learn her new teammates' tendencies. But Harrison said she feels more comfortable with what's being asked of her every day. 3 Liberty forward Isabelle Harrison and Shakira Austin jockey for position in the paint on June 5, 2025 in Washington. Getty Images Advertisement 'It's like a light bulb. As soon as it turns on, you get it, you know where you need to be,' Harrison said. 'Every day I feel like we layer it more and more and we make it more complex the more we get our chemistry together with everybody. But I've always enjoyed it. I love position-less basketball because you don't get stuck on one side of the floor, you're not looking for one person to score, everybody's pretty much involved and we have the personnel to really do that.' Harrison stepped up when Jonquel Jones went down with an injury in Thursday's win. Covering the Liberty like never before Sign up for Madeline Kenney's Inside the Liberty, a weekly Sports+ newsletter. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Advertisement She'll play an important role, too, when Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich leave later this month for EuroBasket. Harrison has earned the trust of her teammates and coaches. She's committed to doing whatever it takes to win.
USA Today
9 hours ago
- USA Today
Liberty vs. Sky odds, tips and betting trends - 6/10/2025
Liberty vs. Sky odds, tips and betting trends - 6/10/2025 The New York Liberty (8-0) will look to extend an eight-game winning run when hosting the Chicago Sky (2-5) on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Barclays Center. This game is at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. New York won on the road over Washington, 86-78, in its most recent game. Its top performers were Breanna Stewart (26 PTS, 11 REB, 50.0 FG%) and Sabrina Ionescu (13 PTS, 7 AST, 2 STL, 2 BLK, 17.6 FG%, 2-10 from 3PT). Chicago lost to Indiana 79-52 at home last time out, and were led by Rebecca Allen (8 PTS, 50.0 FG%) and Kamilla Cardoso (8 PTS, 40.0 FG%). Before watching this matchup, here's what you need to know about Tuesday's action on the court. Watch the WNBA on Fubo! New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky odds and betting lines WNBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 6:05 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Spread: Liberty (-15.5) Liberty (-15.5) Over/under: 166.5 166.5 Favorite: Liberty (-2000, bet $2000 to win $100) Liberty (-2000, bet $2000 to win $100) Underdog: Sky (+1000, bet $100 to win $1000) Liberty moneyline insights The Liberty have won all eight of the games they have been the moneyline favorite this season. New York has played as a moneyline favorite of -2000 or shorter in only one game this season, which it won. Based on this game's moneyline, the Liberty's implied win probability is 95.2%. New York's eight games this season have gone over this contest's total of 166.5 points three times. Liberty outings this year have an average point total of 165.6, 0.9 fewer points than this game's over/under. Sky moneyline insights The Sky have been underdogs in seven games this season and won two (28.6%) of those contests. Chicago has not entered a game this season as a bigger underdog on the moneyline than the +1000 odds on it winning this game. The Sky have a 9.1% chance to win this game based on the implied probability of the moneyline. Sky games this season have had a combined scoring total higher than 166.5 points in five of seven outings. Chicago has a 166.6-point average over/under in its outings this season, 0.1 more points than this game's total. Liberty vs. Sky: Game time and info Game day: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Tuesday, June 10, 2025 Game time: 8 p.m. ET 8 p.m. ET Stadium: Barclays Center Barclays Center TV channel: ESPN Watch the WNBA on Fubo!
NBC Sports
9 hours ago
- NBC Sports
2025 WNBA Power Rankings (Week 4): Collier leads Lynx to 9-0 start; Fever find wins without Clark
We're almost a month into the WNBA season. While teams like the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are tried and true, other teams like the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm are still searching for consistency. With another week of WNBA action in the books, it's time to update power rankings. WNBA Power Rankings These rankings reflect where each WNBA team stands after week four of the 2025 season. Teams are ranked 1-13 and are grouped by tiers. Past Rankings: Preseason, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3 New York Liberty (8-0) | Prior Rank: 1 - The Liberty continued their win streak into week four after beating the Washington Mystics on Thursday. New York got the win, but Jonquel Jones rolled her right ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. It's been reported that Jones avoided significant injury, but it's unclear when she will return to play. The Liberty are a deep enough team that they should be able to manage without Jones for a few games if needed. The good news for the Liberty is that Nyara Sabally will likely be returning for their next game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. Sabally's return will be a boost, especially if Jonquel has to miss any time. Since New York refuses to lose a game, they will hold on to the top spot this week. Nyara Sabally is a full participant in Liberty practice today, looking set to return. No Jonquel Jones (ankle), but the team is relieved that she avoided significant injury. They'll practice again tomorrow before hosting the Sky on Tuesday, so more JJ updates to come. @Winsidr— Myles (@MylesEhrlich) June 8, 2025 New York Liberty (8-0) | Prior Rank: 1 - The Liberty continued their win streak into week four after beating the Washington Mystics on Thursday. New York got the win, but Jonquel Jones rolled her right ankle in the first quarter and did not return to the game. It's been reported that Jones avoided significant injury, but it's unclear when she will return to play. The Liberty are a deep enough team that they should be able to manage without Jones for a few games if needed. The good news for the Liberty is that Nyara Sabally will likely be returning for their next game against the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. Sabally's return will be a boost, especially if Jonquel has to miss any time. Since New York refuses to lose a game, they will hold on to the top spot this week. Nyara Sabally is a full participant in Liberty practice today, looking set to return. No Jonquel Jones (ankle), but the team is relieved that she avoided significant injury. They'll practice again tomorrow before hosting the Sky on Tuesday, so more JJ updates to come. @Winsidr Minnesota Lynx (9-0) | Prior Rank: 2 - The Lynx have the best record in the WNBA, and like the Liberty, are also undefeated. Napheesa Collier stuffed the stat sheet in their most recent win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Another game, another reminder that Napheesa Collier is built different! She showed out again in the @minnesotalynx's win vs. the Wings ⬇️ 28 PTS 10 REB 4 AST 4 STL 3 BLK 10-19 FG WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase WNBA (@WNBA) June 8, 2025 While the Lynx are first in the standings by virtue of playing one more game than the Liberty, the Lynx are currently second (behind the Liberty) in Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So, they will keep the No. 2 spot for this week. Minnesota Lynx (9-0) | Prior Rank: 2 - The Lynx have the best record in the WNBA, and like the Liberty, are also undefeated. Napheesa Collier stuffed the stat sheet in their most recent win against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. Another game, another reminder that Napheesa Collier is built different! She showed out again in the @minnesotalynx's win vs. the Wings ⬇️ 28 PTS 10 REB 4 AST 4 STL 3 BLK 10-19 FG WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase While the Lynx are first in the standings by virtue of playing one more game than the Liberty, the Lynx are currently second (behind the Liberty) in Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So, they will keep the No. 2 spot for this week. Phoenix Mercury (6-4) | Prior Rank: 3 - The Mercury land at No. 3 for the third week in a row. The Mercury have been without Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack all season. They have also played their last five games without Alyssa Thomas. Despite being short-handed, the Mercury have maintained a winning record all season and their top four defense is a large reason why. For now, with a record two games above .500, the Mercury edge out the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm for third this week. Atlanta Dream (5-3) | Prior Rank: 4 - Atlanta will also keep their No. 4 spot this week. The Dream went 0-1 in week four. Their loss came at the hands of the Connecticut Sun, who they blew out earlier this season, but struggled against the second time around. The Sun are a rebuilding team with a 2-7 record. This was a bad loss for a Dream team that finally had its full roster available. Atlanta missed out on an opportunity to create some separation in the standings. Since the Dream beat Seattle in their head-to-head match up earlier this year, they will come in one spot higher at No. 4 Seattle Storm (5-4) | Prior Rank: 6 - The Storm are back to a winning record after losing three games in a row. They move up one spot this week after going 2-0 in week four. Their wins came against the Dallas Wings, who have the worst record in the league and the Mercury, who are still without the services of Alyssa Thomas. While the Storm have beaten the Mercury this season with Thomas playing, they also got blown out. A move to No. 5 this week is warranted by Seattle's recent play, but they need some better quality wins to move up higher in these power rankings. Las Vegas Aces (4-3) | Prior Rank: 5 - The Aces continue to play inconsistently and drop one spot to No. 6 this week. Like the Dream, Las Vegas only played one game last week and lost to the Golden State Valkyries. But it wasn't just any loss. The Aces had five days to prepare for the Valkyries and got blown out by 27 points. This is the second embarrassing loss of the season for the Aces, but it's also their third loss by double digits. It's unclear what to make of this Aces team, but they will get the sixth spot this week as they continue to work through their struggles. Indiana Fever (4-4) | Prior Rank: 8 - The Fever have rebounded well after dropping the first two games they had to play without Caitlin Clark, who is recovering from a left quad injury. It's only been a week since Indiana signed Aari McDonald via the league's emergency hardship exception, but it's already paying dividends for the Fever. Since the signing, the Fever have gone 2-0 and overall are 2-2 without Clark, who will be reevaluated ahead of the team's next game on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark gives an update on her injury: "I'll be re-evaluater after this weekend. Not gonna rush coming back, it's just not worth it but after this weekend we'll have a better idea of when I'll return" AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) June 5, 2025 The addition of Aari McDonald, while not a replacement for Clark, helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing Clark back. McDonald has been much needed help on both ends of the floor since Sophie Cunningham is also out due to a right ankle injury. Aari McDonald has been a key early pickup for her new squad, averaging (9.5) points, (3.5) assists, and (3.0) steals off the bench. Today, she recorded 12 points, 2 assists, and 3 steals in the Indiana Fever's 79–52 win over Chicago. The team is (2–0) since her arrival. ✨ I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) June 8, 2025 The Fever have stopped the bleeding and are back to a .500 record, which warrants a bump to No. 7 in this week's rankings. Indiana Fever (4-4) | Prior Rank: 8 - The Fever have rebounded well after dropping the first two games they had to play without Caitlin Clark, who is recovering from a left quad injury. It's only been a week since Indiana signed Aari McDonald via the league's emergency hardship exception, but it's already paying dividends for the Fever. Since the signing, the Fever have gone 2-0 and overall are 2-2 without Clark, who will be reevaluated ahead of the team's next game on Tuesday against the Atlanta Dream. Caitlin Clark gives an update on her injury: "I'll be re-evaluater after this weekend. Not gonna rush coming back, it's just not worth it but after this weekend we'll have a better idea of when I'll return" The addition of Aari McDonald, while not a replacement for Clark, helps to alleviate the pressure of rushing Clark back. McDonald has been much needed help on both ends of the floor since Sophie Cunningham is also out due to a right ankle injury. Aari McDonald has been a key early pickup for her new squad, averaging (9.5) points, (3.5) assists, and (3.0) steals off the bench. Today, she recorded 12 points, 2 assists, and 3 steals in the Indiana Fever's 79–52 win over Chicago. The team is (2–0) since her arrival. ✨ The Fever have stopped the bleeding and are back to a .500 record, which warrants a bump to No. 7 in this week's rankings. Washington Mystics (4-6) | Prior Rank: 7 - The Mystics drop a spot this week to No. 8 after going 1-2 in week four. While there are no moral victories, the Mystics continue to show improvement. In their loss to the Liberty on Thursday, they had a much better showing in that game than just six days before when they played New York earlier in the season. Stef Dolson pulled the whole Mystics into the huddle after the buzzer sounded tonight. Jade Melbourne says Dolson said, "look at the growth from when we played New York last week. We were in that game." Tyler Byrum (@theTylerByrum) June 6, 2025 The Mystics' rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, continue to impress. Both were part of the balanced scoring effort in Washington's 37-point win over the Connecticut Sun. It's no surprise that the May Rookie of the Month, Kiki Iriafen, was a team high +26. 🏀 @Kia Rookie of the Month 🏀 Kiki Iriafen averaged 13.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG to earn May rookie of the month honors for the Washington Mystics!#KiaROTM | #WelcometotheW WNBA (@WNBA) June 4, 2025 The Mystics are going through some expected growing pains, but the growth is clear, which is why they continue to be in the mix and land at No. 8 this week. Washington Mystics (4-6) | Prior Rank: 7 - The Mystics drop a spot this week to No. 8 after going 1-2 in week four. While there are no moral victories, the Mystics continue to show improvement. In their loss to the Liberty on Thursday, they had a much better showing in that game than just six days before when they played New York earlier in the season. Stef Dolson pulled the whole Mystics into the huddle after the buzzer sounded tonight. Jade Melbourne says Dolson said, "look at the growth from when we played New York last week. We were in that game." The Mystics' rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, continue to impress. Both were part of the balanced scoring effort in Washington's 37-point win over the Connecticut Sun. It's no surprise that the May Rookie of the Month, Kiki Iriafen, was a team high +26. 🏀 @Kia Rookie of the Month 🏀 Kiki Iriafen averaged 13.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG to earn May rookie of the month honors for the Washington Mystics!#KiaROTM | #WelcometotheW The Mystics are going through some expected growing pains, but the growth is clear, which is why they continue to be in the mix and land at No. 8 this week. Golden State Valkyries (3-5) | Prior Rank: 10 - After a four-game losing streak, the Valkyries bounced back with a commanding win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. In front of a sold out crowd, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and Kate Martin one-upped their former team with a decisive 27-point win. Full circle game for Coach Nat. ✨🪽 Golden State Valkyries (@valkyries) June 8, 2025 The Valkyries have proven to be a worthy opponent in most of their matchups this season. Even though the Valkyries beat the Mystics once this year in a close contest, the Mystics have a better Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So the Valkyries will come in at No. 9 this week, one spot below the Mystics. Golden State Valkyries (3-5) | Prior Rank: 10 - After a four-game losing streak, the Valkyries bounced back with a commanding win over the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday. In front of a sold out crowd, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase and Kate Martin one-upped their former team with a decisive 27-point win. Full circle game for Coach Nat. ✨🪽 The Valkyries have proven to be a worthy opponent in most of their matchups this season. Even though the Valkyries beat the Mystics once this year in a close contest, the Mystics have a better Offensive, Defensive and Net Rating. So the Valkyries will come in at No. 9 this week, one spot below the Mystics. Los Angeles Sparks (3-6) | Prior Rank: 11 - The Sparks are another team that only played one game last week, but they secured a win over the Dallas Wings. The Sparks play again Monday night against the Valkyries. The teams split their first two meetings of the season. Time will tell if the Sparks will be able to string together a few wins in a row, but they did get a boost in their last game with Rickea Jackson's return to the lineup. Still three games under .500, the Sparks will land at No. 10 this week. Chicago Sky (2-5) | Prior Rank: 9 - The Chicago Sky fall two spots this week and their outlook is very murky at the moment. The Sky went into their game against the Fever on Saturday trying to extend their two-game winning streak and lost much more than the game. Courtney Vandersloot sustained a right knee injury during the first quarter and did not return to play. It was later determined that she suffered a season-ending ACL injury. For a Chicago Sky team that was already struggling, this is a crushing blow. It's unclear how Chicago will rebound from this loss. For now, they get the No. 11 spot this week. Connecticut Sun (2-7) | Prior Rank: 13 - The Sun move up one spot this week to No. 12 after going 1-1 in week four. Their second win of the season (and first home win) came over the Atlanta Dream. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 34 points, but the team got contributions from multiple players on their roster to seal the win over Atlanta. While the Sun did go on to lose their game on Sunday by 37 points to the Mystics, their win over the Dream helped elevate them to No. 12 this week. Marina Mabrey took control with a game-high 34 points 😤 She guided the @ConnecticutSun to their first home win and Commissioner's Cup victory, finishing with 34 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST. This notches her 1st 30-point performance of the szn! WNBA (@WNBA) June 7, 2025 Connecticut Sun (2-7) | Prior Rank: 13 - The Sun move up one spot this week to No. 12 after going 1-1 in week four. Their second win of the season (and first home win) came over the Atlanta Dream. Marina Mabrey led the Sun with 34 points, but the team got contributions from multiple players on their roster to seal the win over Atlanta. While the Sun did go on to lose their game on Sunday by 37 points to the Mystics, their win over the Dream helped elevate them to No. 12 this week. Marina Mabrey took control with a game-high 34 points 😤 She guided the @ConnecticutSun to their first home win and Commissioner's Cup victory, finishing with 34 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST. This notches her 1st 30-point performance of the szn! Dallas Wings (1-9) | Prior Rank: 12 - The Dallas Wings are still searching for their second win of the season while they await the return of Paige Bueckers to the lineup. They are currently on a five-game losing streak and have the worst record in the league. As a result, the Wings fall to No. 13 in this week's power rankings.
