Arike Ogunbowale ensured the Dallas Wings’ playoff hopes remained alive with a critical victory on Wednesday night. Dallas avoided elimination by defeating the Golden State Valkyries 108-100 in overtime. This win leveled the series, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3.
Ogunbowale delivered an outstanding performance, setting a WNBA playoff record by scoring 45 points. She made 12 of her 23 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers, and was successful with 16 of her 18 free-throw attempts. The four-time All-Star also contributed seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, playing a key role in forcing the series to a final game.
Her scoring included pivotal moments, as she tied the game with a heavily contested corner three-pointer when only seconds remained in regulation. In the overtime period, she scored 11 more points, including a crucial three-pointer to break a 100-100 tie with under two minutes left.
Ogunbowale’s ability to perform under pressure is well-known, having led Notre Dame to a national championship with similar heroics. In a post-game interview with ESPN, she commented, “I don’t know, I guess I like when the time is going down.”
Paige Bueckers, in her first career playoff victory, scored 10 points and expressed admiration for Ogunbowale’s performance. During an interview on SportsCenter, Bueckers said, “I can’t even put into words what she just did… I’m just like, let me get her the ball, get out of the way.”
Bueckers recognized Ogunbowale as “one of one” and admired her leadership, stating, “She really carried us and did everything it took to win. She just willed us there. So proud of her. She’s built for these moments.”
The Dallas Wings and Golden State Valkyries will meet again for the series-deciding game on Friday at 9 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN2, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.