Syracuse in the WNBA: Brittney Sykes, L.A. Sparks drop two straight games

Brittney Sykes, the sole Syracuse Orange representative in the WNBA this season, took the court this week for the Los Angeles Sparks (4-5). Sykes, a 2017 SU graduate, tallied 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals off the bench in two games.

On Thursday, Los Angeles fell on the road to the Washington Mystics (4-6), 89-71. Sykes recorded 10 points, three rebounds, and an assist in the loss.

As a team, the Sparks shot 32.8% from the field and 34.8% from three. Washington outrebounded Los Angeles 43-31. In addition to Sykes, Te’a Cooper (11 points) also scored in double-figures.

Washington shot 42.3% from the field and from three. Four Mystic players finished in double figures including Ariel Atkins (23 points), Tina Charles (20), Theresa Plaisance (11), and former Louisville standout Myisha Hines-Allen (10).

After the match-up, Sykes was asked how she would grade the level at which she competed in the game:

“I always compete at 110%. If I did differently, I hope somebody tells me, but I think I gave 110.”

On Saturday, the Sparks fell at the Minnesota Lynx, 80-64. Sykes recorded a season-high four assists and matched her season-high of six rebounds along with two points and three steals.

The team shot 32.9% from the field and 34.8% from three. LA was outrebounded by Minnesota 43-27. Three Sparks players scored in double-digits including Cooper (17 points), Amanda Zahui B (15), and Kristi Toliver (13).

Minnesota shot 43.1% from the field and 50% from three. The Lynx’s had three players score in double figures including Crystal Dangerfield (16 points), Sylvia Fowles (15), and Rachel Banham (12).

Los Angeles currently stands in ninth place of the league standings. The Sparks show signs of elite basketball during games, but are unable to hold on for an entire contest. The team needs to find ways to pace themselves throughout games and earn wins.

The Sparks return home this week and will battle the Phoenix Mercury (5-5) on Wednesday, June 16 and Friday, June 18 at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT. The New York Liberty (5-4) will then travel to LA on Sunday, June 20 for a 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT match-up.