Liberty's winning streak ends at eight games with loss to Connecticut Sun

Marina Mabrey scored 15 points to help the Connecticut Sun end the Liberty’s winning streak at eight games with a 72-64 victory on Saturday night at Barclays Center.

Mabrey, who was acquired by the Sun right before the Olympic break, provided an offensive spark off the bench.

“She’s a great player, a great shooter, spaces the floor out really well for them. You can’t help off of her,” Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu said. “It provides a different layer for how you come out and defend them, because . . . of how much gravity she draws.”

Connecticut (22-7) moved to within 2 1/2 games of the Liberty (25-5) for the top spot in the WNBA standings. It was the Sun’s first win over the Liberty this season in four tries.

Breanna Stewart had 15 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Liberty. Ionescu returned after missing the last two games with a neck issue. She shot 3-for-13 and scored 12 points for t

he Liberty, who missed 12 of their first 13 three-pointers and finished 7-for-32.

“They controlled the whole game. We didn’t come out with the urgency we needed against a good team,” Liberty coach Sandy Brondello said. “There was no activity at the point of the screen, and that’s on us. Connecticut is a really good team, and it showed everywhere across the stat sheet.”

Connecticut took control in the third quarter, extending a two-point halftime lead to seven by the end of the period. The lead grew to 66-53 on Olivia Nelson-Ododa’s shot with 5:45 left.

Things got chippy in the last 30 seconds when DiJonai Carrington took exception to a foul by Jaylyn Sherrod. Carrington and Sherrod were called for double technical fouls on the play.

The win, in addition to a loss by Indiana, clinched a spot in the postseason for Connecticut.

“The playoffs is a whole different season and beast,” said DeWanna Bonner, who had 10 points and 12 rebounds for Connecticut. “We‘ll cross that bridge when we get to it.’’