Uncasville, CT (May 9, 2023)- Tonight, the Connecticut Sun fell to the New York Liberty in their lone 2024 preseason matchup, 82-79. After trailing by 15 points with eight minutes left in the fourth, the Sun stormed all the way back to take a one-point lead with 1:14 remaining, 79-78. However, the Liberty was able to retake the lead and close it out, scoring the final four points on a layup and a pair of free throws courtesy of rookie guard Jaylyn Sherrod to take home the 82-79 win over the Sun.
Connecticut was led by Rachel Banham who showed out with a 20-point performance in her first outing in a Sun uniform since the 2019 season. She went 6-10 from behind the three-point line in 20 minutes of action on the night. DeWanna Bonner added 16 points, nailing four threes of her own, in 20 minutes of play.
Brionna Jones made her return to the court for the Sun after missing all but 13 games of the 2023 season with a torn Achilles tendon. In 10 minutes of action, she dished out six assists and grabbed two boards, one steal and one block.
A handful of players made their debuts in a Sun uniform this evening including guard Tiffany Mitchell who added seven points, one rebound and one assist in 18 minutes off the bench. Forward Astou Ndour-Fall tallied eight points and five rebounds in her first outing with Connecticut.
New York shot 53.4% (31-58) on the night, while Connecticut went 40.5% (32-79) from the field. The Sun forced the Liberty into 20 turnovers, scoring 25 points off those mistakes. Connecticut outrebounded New York, 32-30, and also dished out 25 assists as a team.
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with 15 points and six rebounds, while Betnijah Laney-Hamilton added 14 points.
NEXT GAME: The Connecticut Sun host the Indiana Fever in their 2024 season opener on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:30 PM ET at Mohegan Sun Arena.