Emily Engstler led the charge with 16 points, nine of which came in the third quarter, as the Portland Fire dominated the Toronto Tempo 99-80 during their recent matchup.
Portland’s Bridget Carleton, hailing from Chatham-Kent, Ont., contributed 15 points, hitting four three-pointers out of eight attempts, while Megan Gustafson chipped in with 14 points off the bench.
On the opposing side, Marina Mabrey and rookie Kiki Rice each scored 19 points for Toronto, which suffered consecutive losses, with Mabrey nearly securing a double-double with eight assists and five rebounds, and Rice adding five rebounds and three assists.
Portland Fire beat Toronto Tempo 99-80. Bridget Carleton of Chatham, Ont., finishes with 15 points.
The Tempo faced significant absences, with key players Julie Allemand (groin strain), Temi Fagbenle (right shoulder sprain), and Isabelle Harrison (right thumb dislocation) sidelined.
This game marked the inaugural encounter between the WNBA expansion franchises.
Key Highlights
Portland’s deep bench proved instrumental as their reserves outscored Toronto’s bench 42-20. The Fire surged ahead in the third quarter, led by Engstler’s nine-point burst during the period, following two closely contested quarters.
Regarding Toronto, Mabrey and Rice are forming a strong partnership early in the season. Mabrey showcased her playmaking ability by connecting with Rice for quick baskets on consecutive possessions in the second quarter.
Crucial Moment
A pivotal 11-0 scoring run by Portland, highlighted by Nyadiew Puoch’s three-pointer with 8:07 remaining, widened the Fire’s lead to 14 points, effectively sealing the victory against the Tempo.
Key Statistic
While the first half remained competitive, Portland’s superior three-point shooting propelled them ahead. The Fire shot 47.8% from beyond the arc, making 11 of 23 attempts in the game, in contrast to the Tempo’s 24% success rate with six three-pointers out of 25 attempts.
Upcoming Matches
Portland Fire will face the New York Liberty next, while the Toronto Tempo are set to