Arike Ogunbowale Shines in Dallas Wings’ Overtime Victory

Arike Ogunbowale ensured the Dallas Wings lived to fight another day. On Wednesday night, Dallas eliminated any chances of going home early by securing a 108-100 overtime win against the Golden State Valkyries. This victory allowed the Wings to level the first-round series, thanks largely to Ogunbowale’s pivotal performance. She set a WNBA playoff record with 45 points.

Her impressive stats included making 12 of 23 field goals, adding five 3-pointers, and converting 16 of her 18 free-throw attempts. A four-time All-Star, Ogunbowale also contributed seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals in this memorable game. Her efforts forced a winner-takes-all Game 3.

Ogunbowale’s points came at critical moments. Down by three points with seconds left in regulation, she tied the game with a heavily contested corner three. In overtime, she added 11 more points, including a crucial three-pointer that broke a 100-100 tie with less than two minutes remaining.

This is not unfamiliar territory for Ogunbowale, who has a history of clutch performances, including leading Notre Dame to a national championship with buzzer-beaters in consecutive Final Four games. 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, scoring 10 points in her first career playoff win, praised her experienced teammate after the thrilling match. Speaking to Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter, Bueckers expressed her admiration, saying, “I can’t even put into words what she just did. I’m on the court in awe … I’m just like, let me get her the ball, get out of the way.”

Bueckers described it as an “honor” to play alongside Ogunbowale, referring to her as “one of one” and “definitely different.” She added, “She really carried us and did everything it took to win. She just willed us there. So, really, really proud of her. She’s built for these moments. She shows it time and time again. Man, that’s Arike for you.”

The decisive Game 3 between the Wings and Valkyries will determine who advances to the semifinals. It will broadcast Friday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2.