"MINNEAPOLIS Following a 29-point loss to the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the first round, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase took aim at Sunday's officiating crew. I thought we were playing beautiful basketball. And then all of a sudden the fouls get called consecutively, Nakase said. It wasn't that the fouls are balanced, it was that the fouls are being called when we're on a run, and it shifts the momentum."
"The Valkyries jumped out to a hot start, scoring 28 first-quarter points and leading by seven after the first 10 minutes. But it all started to unravel in the second quarter. Golden State found itself in foul trouble and the experienced Lynx took advantage. Minnesota shot 14 free throws in the second quarter, and outscored the Valkyries 26-12 to take a comfortable seven-point lead at halftime."
Golden State opened strongly with 28 first-quarter points and a seven-point lead after 10 minutes. Momentum shifted in the second quarter as Minnesota capitalized on Golden State foul trouble and a surge at the free-throw line. Minnesota attempted 14 free throws in the second quarter and outscored Golden State 26-12 to build a seven-point halftime advantage. Consecutive fouls against Golden State, including two loose-ball fouls on center Iliana Rupert within 90 seconds, reduced offensive aggression and contributed to the swing in control and the final margin.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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