With Caitlin Clark still out with a groin injury Indiana led by seven for a stretch in the third quarter, but Sabrina Ionescu took over the game in the fourth as the New York Liberty pulled away from Indiana 98-84 in Brooklyn.
Indiana led 46-42 at the half as Breanna Stewart and Ionescu struggled to score, the two with just nine points between them.
Ionescu sat out most of the third quarter before coming in to score 10 straight points in the last. Guard Jonquel Jones returned to the lineup for the Liberty after a long absence, scoring 18 points with 9 rebounds.
SABRINA IONESCU.
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) July 23, 2025
Scored 10 straight points for the Liberty.pic.twitter.com/FsYq6pFf79
Ionescu shook off her first half scoring woes while adding nine assists, two blocks and five rebounds. Oregon teammate Nyara Sabally did not play, resting due to swelling in her right knee.
The win boosts the Liberty to a 16-6 record, second in the league behind Minnesota at 21-4.
Melyssa Lombardi gets contract extension
After coaching the Oregon softball team to a 54-10 record, the Big Ten Championship and the College World Series, Melyssa Lombardi earned a contract extension through 2030, announced by athletic director Rob Mullens Tuesday.
The Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2025, she's compiled a 239-116 in seven seasons as Oregon's head coach, already second in all-time wins behind Mike White. Her team has made the NCAA Tournament 5 times.
They've excelled in the classroom too.
Proud Duck 👇🏼🤟🏼#GoDucks | #Version7 https://t.co/xeeLJjBPOr
— Melyssa Lombardi (@MelyssaLombardi) July 22, 2025
New agreement by House attorneys gives collectives business status
Just 22 days after the House Settlement went into effect, a new agreement between the College Sports Commission and House attorneys grants NIL collectives the same status as other businesses in providing NIL opportunities, although the NIL-Go clearinghouse will still review deals to see they meet a legitimate business purpose.
Revenue sharing continues to have a "soft cap," currently $20.5 million. But collectives and NIL can boost rosters to $35 million or more, even $50 million in the case of top programs like Georgia, Ohio State and Texas.
Spending remains a runaway train.
Former Duck Trikweze Bridges picks off a pass in Chargers' training camp
The Chargers are back in San Diego for two days of practice, trying to win back some old fans. They play in Los Angeles now, sharing So-Fi Stadium with the Rams.
Former Gators DB Trikweze Bridges(@Trikweze )with an interception during Chargers practice today. #Gators
— Dylan Olive (@DylanOlive_UF) July 23, 2025
pic.twitter.com/FctsHoaTfQ