Connecticut Defeated by Golden State, 74-57
Tue, Aug 12, 2025, 4:20 AM
Sun fall to 1-2 against Valkyries in 2025
San Francisco, CA- On the road in San Francisco, the Connecticut Sun (5-26) lost to the Golden State Valkyries (16-15) with a score of 74-57. This defeat means the Sun concludes the 2025 regular season series against the Valkyries with a record of 1-2.
In this game, Connecticut introduced a new starting lineup that included Bria Hartley, Marina Mabrey, Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, and Olivia Nelson-Ododa, with Nelson-Ododa stepping in for the rested Tina Charles.
Rookie forward Aneesah Morrow led Connecticut’s scoring with her third double-double of the season, recording 14 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes of play. Olivia Nelson-Ododa was the only other player from the Sun to reach double digits, contributing 12 points and a perfect 5-for-5 shooting performance from the field.
The Sun started the game struggling, trailing the Valkyries 12-6 at the first timeout. Connecticut shot only 30% (3/10) initially, while Golden State was significantly more effective, hitting 62.5% (5/8) of their attempts. The Sun managed to close the first quarter on a 4-2 run, finishing with a score of 14-10.
In the second quarter, Golden State opened with a 7-3 run prompting a Connecticut timeout at 6:17 remaining in the half, with the score at 21-13. Saniya Rivers broke a three-point drought for the Sun, and they narrowed the gap to 21-19 before Golden State extended their lead to 32-26 by halftime. Rivers had nine points and three rebounds in the first half, while the Sun’s total of 26 points matched their season-low for first halves in 2025.
The Sun managed to cut the Valkyries’ lead to four at the start of the second half but then allowed an 8-0 run from Golden State. Despite a late push, the Sun ended the third quarter down 55-44. Nelson-Ododa was key, scoring nine points in the third, including her first career three-pointer.
While the Sun started the fourth quarter with a quick 4-0 run, Golden State quickly regained command with an 8-0 spurt of their own. The Valkyries outscored Connecticut 19-13 in the final quarter to secure the victory. Leila Lacan led the Sun in the last quarter with five points.
Game Statistics:
- The Sun had an advantage in fast breaks (10-0) and bench scoring (20-15), but Golden State outperformed them in points in the paint (22-20) and second-chance points (10-5).
- Saniya Rivers finished with nine points and notable defensive stats, marking her 18th game with at least two steals this season.
- Aaliyah Edwards scored a career-high eight points, adding five rebounds and two blocks in 18 minutes off the bench.
NEXT GAME: The Connecticut Sun will return home to face the Chicago Sky on Wednesday, August 13, at 7:00 PM ET at Mohegan Sun Arena.
