Sparks Dominate Nigeria in WNBA Showdown
Saturday, April 25, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Viejas Arena
Los Angeles Sparks 89, NIGERIA 63, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won NIGERIA vs Los Angeles Sparks?
Los Angeles Sparks beat NIGERIA 89-63 at Viejas Arena on April 25, 2026.
In a commanding performance, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated Nigeria with a final score of 89-63 at Viejas Arena. This match showcased the Sparks' ability to control the game, particularly in the second half, as they pulled away decisively after a competitive start. The Sparks improved their record to 2-0 in the WNBA season, while Nigeria fell to 0-2.
The Sparks entered the game with a recent record of 5-5 over their last ten games, but they had shown signs of improvement, especially at home, where they had a record of 3-3. Despite a current streak of one loss, their average scoring at home stood at 82.6 points per game, while they allowed an average of 86.4 points. In their last five games, they had averaged 82.8 points scored but allowed 90.6 points, indicating a defensive vulnerability that Nigeria could have exploited. However, the Sparks' robust offensive strategy proved too strong for Nigeria.
In contrast, Nigeria came into the game with a record of 0-1, having lost their previous match. Their struggles were evident as they averaged significantly fewer points than the Sparks, and they were unable to find their rhythm against a well-organized Los Angeles defense. The Sparks' ability to capitalize on Nigeria's weaknesses was a key factor in their victory.
The Sparks' home court advantage at Viejas Arena was palpable, as they played in front of their fans, which often provides a boost for teams. The Sparks had previously faced Nigeria in an earlier matchup, where they also emerged victorious, reinforcing their dominance in this fixture.
In terms of injuries, the Sparks were without Aaliyah Nye, who was listed as out for not injury-related reasons. This absence did not seem to affect their performance significantly, as they managed to maintain a strong lineup that was effective on both ends of the court.
Betting markets had the Sparks as favorites for this matchup, reflecting their stronger form and home advantage. The odds provided by the sportsbook indicated a clear expectation of a Sparks victory, which they delivered convincingly.
The game conditions were favorable, with no adverse weather factors affecting the indoor venue. Fans were treated to a display of skill, particularly in the fourth quarter, where the Sparks pulled away decisively. Key scoring plays included a 27-foot three-point jumper from Chance Gray and a series of free throws from Ezinne Kalu, which helped solidify the Sparks' lead.
Overall, viewers witnessed a strong performance from the Sparks, who demonstrated their offensive capabilities and defensive resilience, setting the tone for the remainder of the season.
Injury report
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsKelsey Plum22Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler7Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsAriel Atkins6Los Angeles Sparks
- PointsPallas Kunaiyi11NIGERIA
- AssistsEzinne Kalu4NIGERIA
- ReboundsUche Izoje5NIGERIA
Recent form
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L182.6 scored · 86.4 allowed per game3-3 at home
- L75-103vs Las Vegas AcesSep 12
- W88-83at Phoenix MercurySep 10
- W91-77vs Dallas WingsSep 7
- L85-104at Atlanta DreamSep 5
- L75-86at Atlanta DreamSep 3
- W91-85at Seattle StormSep 2
- W81-78vs Washington MysticsSep 1
- L75-76vs Indiana FeverAug 30
- L84-92vs Phoenix MercuryAug 27
- W81-80vs Dallas WingsAug 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | NIGERIA | Los Angeles Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-54 | 29-59 |
| Field goal % | 37 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 3-18 | 11-31 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 35 |
| Free throws | 20-32 | 20-21 |
| Free throw % | 63 | 95 |
| Rebounds | 25 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 25 |
| Assists | 14 | 25 |
| Steals | 12 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 24 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 26 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 22 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 32 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter36-51Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter36-52Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter36-54Dearica Hamby makes 1-foot layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter36-55Kelsey Plum makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter36-56Kelsey Plum makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter37-56Favour Nwaedozi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter38-56Favour Nwaedozi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter38-58Ta'Niya Latson makes driving layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter38-59Ta'Niya Latson makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter38-61Sania Feagin makes layup (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 3rd Quarter39-61Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter40-61Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter40-63Ta'Niya Latson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter40-65Sania Feagin makes two point shot (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-65Pallas Kunaiyi makes layup (Ezinne Kalu assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-65Blessing Ejiofor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter43-66Emma Cannon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter43-67Emma Cannon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-67Blessing Ejiofor makes 21-foot pullup jump shot (Promise Amukamara assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-67Pallas Kunaiyi makes 3-foot layup (Gabby White assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-68Emma Cannon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter47-69Emma Cannon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-69Pallas Kunaiyi makes 3-foot layup (Gabby White assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-71Ta'Niya Latson makes driving layup (Sania Feagin assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-71Pallas Kunaiyi makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter51-73Chance Gray makes driving layup (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter51-76Chance Gray makes 22-foot running jump shot (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter52-76Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter52-79Chance Gray makes 23-foot three pointer (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter53-79Pallas Kunaiyi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-82Amelia Hassett makes 22-foot three point jumper (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter53-84Laura Ziegler makes 3-foot layup (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter55-84Uche Izoje makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Ezinne Kalu assists)
- 4th Quarter57-84Uche Izoje makes 10-foot pullup jump shot (Ezinne Kalu assists)
- 4th Quarter57-87Chance Gray makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ta'Niya Latson assists)
- 4th Quarter57-89Sevgi Uzun makes running layup (Chance Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter58-89Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter59-89Ezinne Kalu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-89Gabby White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-89Nora Ezike makes 24-foot three point jumper (Shay Ijiwoye assists)
Venue
- Viejas ArenaSan Diego, CA
- Attendance3459
- OfficialsMaj Forsberg, Catherine Chang, Leah Lanie
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