Aces get the W over the Wings

In the first preseason game of the 2025 WNBA season, the Las Vegas Aces defeated the Dallas Wings on Friday night at Notre Dame. Fighting Irish alumni Jackie Young led all scorers with 28 points and 9   assists.  Jewell Loyd scored 10 points, while A’ja  Wilson recorded 19 points in the Aces'   pre-season win. Rounding out the double-digit scorers was rookie Aaliyah Nye with 17, Chelsea Gray had 13 and Tiffany Mitchell chipped in with 10 points. 

Friday’s contest also marked a homecoming for Fighting Irish alum Arike  Ogunbowale.  Furthermore, it marked the debut of the Wings' 2025 WNBA Draft class, including No. 1 overall selection Paige Bueckers, No. 12 pick Aziaha James, and No. 27 pick JJ Quinerly, as well as the debut of head coach Chris Koclanes.

Quinerly led the Wings with 16 points off 7-of-10 shooting, while Bueckers and James had 10 points apiece. Third year forward Maddy Siegrist joined the rookies in double figures with 11 points off 5-of-10 shooting.

Bueckers started her first career WNBA game, joining veterans Ogunbowale, Teaira McCowan, DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith in the first five. It also marked the first Wings game for Carrington and Smith, who joined the roster during free agency in February.

The Aces showcased a well-rounded team effort, demonstrating depth and versatility across their roster. Their offensive cohesion was evident as multiple players contributed significantly to the scoring. Additionally, the team's defensive strategies effectively limited the Wings' opportunities, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming season.