Ogunbowale Leads Dallas Wings to Overtime Victory

Arike Ogunbowale ensured the Dallas Wings remained in the competition on Wednesday night. Dallas avoided elimination with a 108-100 overtime victory against the Golden State Valkyries.

The Wings leveled the first-round series thanks to Ogunbowale’s standout performance. She set a WNBA playoff record by scoring 45 points. Ogunbowale made 12 of 23 field goals, including five three-pointers, and converted 16 of 18 free throws. The four-time All-Star also contributed seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Her efforts set the stage for a decisive Game 3.

Ogunbowale’s points came at crucial times. She tied the game with a contested corner three as regulation time waned. In overtime, she scored 11 more points, including a key three-pointer that broke a 100-100 tie with under two minutes left.

This clutch performance is typical for Ogunbowale. She led Notre Dame to a national championship with last-second shots in successive Final Four games. “I don’t know, I guess I like when the time is going down,” Ogunbowale shared with ESPN during an on-court interview after the game.

Paige Bueckers, in her first playoff win, scored 10 points and praised her veteran teammate after the exhilarating victory. “I can’t even put into words what she just did,” Bueckers said to Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter. “I’m on the court in awe… I’m just like, let me get her the ball, get out of the way.”

Bueckers expressed that playing alongside Ogunbowale was an “honor,” calling her “one of one” and “definitely different.” “She really carried us and did everything it took to win,” Bueckers added. “She just willed us there. So, really proud of her. She’s built for these moments. She shows it time and time again. Man, that’s Arike for you.”

The Wings and Valkyries will compete for a semifinal spot in the decisive game on Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.