From South Bend to Baton Rouge: Aces and Sky Set Tone in WNBA Preseason Debuts
Jackie Young leads a dominant Aces performance at Notre Dame while Angel Reese dazzles in her LSU return, highlighting the league’s historic preseason broadcast rollout.
The WNBA’s 2025 preseason tipped off Friday night with a nationally televised doubleheader featuring two emotional homecomings and two commanding victories.
Las Vegas Aces 112, Dallas Wings 78
The Las Vegas Aces overpowered the Dallas Wings in a dominant preseason showing at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion, pulling away for a 34-point win behind balanced scoring, aggressive defense, and elite efficiency.
Jackie Young led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and a perfect 13-of-13 from the free throw line. A’ja Wilson added 19 points and 7 rebounds, providing consistent interior presence. Rookie Aaliyah Nye was a breakout contributor with 17 points and 5-of-8 from three. The Aces’ bench outscored Dallas’ reserves 46–38, with Nye, Mitchell, and Deja Kelly combining for 36 points. Crystal Bradford pulled down 8 rebounds off the bench, aiding a deep Aces frontcourt.
Las Vegas shot 48.7% from the field, hit 14 threes, and went 88% from the line (22-of-25).
Dallas struggled with turnovers and tebounding, The Wings committed 19 turnovers, which led to 23 points for the Aces. Dallas was out-rebounded 40–28, including a 20–8 disparity in second-chance points. Despite shooting a solid 45.3%, the Wings lacked consistency and defensive stops. Rookie JJ Quinerly led Dallas with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, showing aggressiveness and control. Paige Bueckers and Aziaha James each scored 10, with Bueckers hitting 2-of-3 from deep. Maddy Siegrist added 11 points but cooled off in the second half.
Chicago Sky 89, Brazil National Team 62
In a highly anticipated homecoming at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky dominated the Brazil National Team 89–62 in their 2025 preseason opener. Reese, returning to LSU’s home court, delivered a strong all-around performance with 15 points and 10 rebounds in just under 17 minutes.
Chicago jumped out to a 28–17 first-quarter lead and never looked back, extending the margin to 52–27 by halftime. The Sky used a balanced offensive attack and stingy defense, forcing 20 turnovers and turning them into 32 points. They also held Brazil to just 36.5% shooting from the field and 25% from three.
Reese led a frontcourt effort that also saw solid contributions from Kamilla Cardoso (6 points, 8 rebounds) and Elizabeth Williams (6 points). Kia Nurse added 11 points, while rookie Hailey Van Lith chipped in with 7 off the bench. Chicago won the rebounding battle 42–32 and outscored Brazil 24–4 in fast break points.
Brazil’s Aline Moura led her team with 12 points, but turnovers and poor shooting plagued the visitors.
