SportsRecap
NC State captures needed series win over Miami
NC State secures vital series win over Miami, boosting NCAA hopes
Yahoo Sports1 min read
SportsRecap
Takeaways from the Connecticut Sunâs 79-67 preseason loss vs. New York Liberty
TL;DR
The Connecticut Sun lost 79-67 to the New York Liberty in a preseason game, showcasing strong defense but struggling offensively. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu had limited scoring impacts, and the Sun will finalize their roster soon.
Key points
- Connecticut Sun lost 79-67 to New York Liberty in preseason
- Sun limited Liberty to 37% shooting from the field
- Breanna Stewart scored 4 points, Sabrina Ionescu scored 6 points
- Sun shot 41% from the field and 28.6% from 3-point range
- Final roster decisions are due Thursday
Connecticut SunNew York LibertyBreanna StewartSabrina Ionescu
UNCASVILLE â The Connecticut Sun may not be championship contenders in 2026, but the scrappy young squad proved itâs capable of holding its own against the best in the league in an 79-67 preseason loss to the New York Liberty on Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
The Sun are building an identity around defense, and despite the loss, they managed to limit the Liberty to just 37% shooting from the field and 35% from 3-point range. UConn legend Breanna Stewart, a two-time WNBA MVP, scored just four points on 4-for-6 shooting in 18 minutes on the court, and four-time All-Star Sabrina Ionescu shot 2-for-8 for six points with a team-high three turnovers in 16 minutes.
Though its defensive performance was strong, Connecticut couldnât quite keep pace with New York on the offensive end. It hit a combined 41% from the field but struggled again from 3-point range shooting 6-for-21 after it was 5-for-20 in the preseason opener against the Toronto Tempo.
The Sun will open the regular season with a road rematch against the Liberty on Friday, and the team has some big decisions to make after Sundayâs result with final rosters due Thursday. Coach Rachid Meziane said he hopes to have the 12-player roster and two developmental spots set a few days before the end of training camp, so cuts will likely be made within the next 24 hours.
Brittney Griner shows vintage dominance
When the Sun signed 11-time All-Star Brittney Griner in free agency, there were questions about whether the veteran center could still be the unstoppable post presence she was in her prime after she had the least productive season of her career last year with the Atlanta Dream. In Sundayâs game, Griner looked like her old self again battling against one of the most loaded front courts in the WNBA. She finished with a team-high 16 points shooting 7-for-9 on top of four rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes. She added a pair of 3-pointers to her highlight reel going 2-for-2 beyond the arc, marking her first time making multiple outside shots in a game since Atlantaâs 2025 preseason win over the .
Q&A
What were the key stats from the Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty preseason game?
The Connecticut Sun shot 41% from the field and 28.6% from 3-point range, while the New York Liberty shot 37% overall and 35% from beyond the arc.
Who were the standout players in the Connecticut Sun vs. New York Liberty game?
Breanna Stewart scored four points and Sabrina Ionescu scored six points, both struggling with their shooting percentages during the game.
When does the Connecticut Sun's regular season start?
The Connecticut Sun will open their regular season with a road rematch against the New York Liberty on Friday.
What are the roster decisions facing the Connecticut Sun after the preseason loss?
The Sun must finalize their 12-player roster and two developmental spots soon, with cuts expected to be made within the next 24 hours.