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Marina Mabrey ties WNBA scoring record with 53 points; Tempo rout Sparks

Al Jazeera · 2026-06-26

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo tied the WNBA's single-game scoring record with 53 points in a 125-97 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. • Why it matters: Mabrey's performance not only showcased her scoring ability but also highlighted the Tempo's potential as a competitive team in the league, improving their record to 9-9. • What to watch next: Fans should keep an eye on Mabrey and the Tempo as they aim to build on this victory and strengthen their playoff contention in the ongoing WNBA season.

**Marina Mabrey Ties WNBA Scoring Record with 53 Points in Tempo's Victory Over Sparks**

*Toronto, Canada – June 26, 2026* – Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey made history on Thursday night by tying the WNBA's single-game scoring record with an impressive 53 points during a commanding 125-97 victory against the Los Angeles Sparks. Mabrey's performance was highlighted by a remarkable shooting display, where she converted 9-of-18 attempts from beyond the arc.

The game began with a strong start from the Tempo, who established an early lead with a 19-6 run within the first four minutes. Mabrey, along with teammates Maria Conde and Julie Allemand, contributed significantly to this initial surge with three early three-pointers. The Tempo's offensive onslaught continued throughout the game, eventually extending their lead to as much as 35 points.

Mabrey's scoring prowess was evident as she surpassed her previous career-high of 37 points, which she set just a week earlier in a game against Connecticut. In that match, she had also tied the league's 3-point record by sinking nine shots from long range. On Thursday, she eclipsed her earlier mark by scoring 39 points by the end of the third quarter and then added 14 more in the final period to match the WNBA scoring record held by A'ja Wilson and Liz Cambage.

The Tempo's overall shooting performance was stellar, as they finished the game with a 20-of-42 success rate from three-point territory. Conde contributed to the scoring with 13 points, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while also grabbing seven rebounds. Allemand matched Conde's point total and had a perfect shooting night from three-point range (3-of-3), in addition to dishing out a career-high 14 assists. Laura Juskaite added 10 points and led the team with 12 rebounds off the bench.

In contrast, the Los Angeles Sparks struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Despite the efforts of Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby, who each scored 21 points, and Rae Burrell, who added 17, the Sparks were unable to keep pace with the Tempo. The team's shooting from three-point range was below par, finishing at 11-of-38.

The Sparks' starting backcourt, Erica Wheeler and Ariel Atkins, faced challenges with foul trouble, limiting their effectiveness on the court. Additionally, the absence of rotational forward Cameron Brink, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury, further hampered the Sparks' offensive capabilities. The team came into the game having split two previous contests with the expansion Tempo, both of which were competitive. However, with leading scorer Kelsey Plum out due to a leg injury sustained in a recent match against New York, the Sparks were left to struggle against the Tempo's aggressive play.

The victory improved Toronto's record to 9-9, while the Sparks fell to 8-9. Mabrey's historic performance not only highlighted her individual talent but also showcased the Tempo's potential as a competitive force in the league. As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Mabrey and the Tempo as they seek to build on this impressive win and continue their pursuit of playoff contention.

Source: Al Jazeera
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