Tag: Dana Evans

The Sky lost their opener to Sparks after absurd foul call forced OT, and fans were furious

A bad stroke of luck for the defending champs.

A year after their first WNBA title, the Sky enter the 2022 season with high hopes.

One of the league’s deeper teams, Chicago seems poised to repeat. Hey, with Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, that sort of success almost seems inevitable.

And, in all likelihood, they may still get that repeat title yet. But in Game 1, at the beginning of their title defense, the Sky (-3.5 point favorites coming in) lost a 98-91 heartbreaker to the Sparks. They’ll probably move on from this soon but, thanks to a terrible call, it doesn’t sting any less.

Let’s take it to the end of the fourth quarter, with the Sky nursing an 88-85 lead. Jordin Canada took the ball the length of the court before pulling up for a three, as Dana Evans came to challenge her. When Canada rose, it seemed Evans made contact, and the officials gifted Canada three throws to force overtime. There, L.A. would eventually pull away and win.

But did Evans really foul her?

Oh no. Oh goodness, no. That is the definition of a soft call. Like, it’s nonexistent contact that should have never decided the final result. That’s absurd officiating which took away a win from the Sky.

Fans watching the game were similarly displeased about the call.

Sam Brunelle Named to 2021 Naismith Trophy Watch List

Sam Brunelle has had quite the 2020-21 season, and Notre Dame doesn’t even tip off until Dec. 13 against Georgia Tech.

Sam Brunelle has had quite the 2020-21 season, and Notre Dame doesn’t even tip off until Dec. 13 against Georgia Tech. Already, the sophomore is a Preseason All-ACC member and a member of the Katrina McClain Award Watch List for the best power forward in women’s basketball. Now, she’s one of 50 players to be named to the 2021 Women’s Naismith Trophy Watch List. Ruth Riley became the first and only Irish player to win the award in 2001.

In early February, the list will be cut down to 30 as part of a midseason list. However, that may include players not on the preseason list. Ten semifinalists will be named in early March. Eventually, there will be four finalists with the winner being named during the Final Four.

Brunelle, one of nine sophomores to be named to the list, is joining four other ACC players who will be competing for women’s basketball’s top individual honor. They are Kiara Lewis and Tiana Mangakahia of Syracuse, Elissa Cunane of NC State and Dana Evans of Louisville.