Wardens Rally Late, Secure 114-107 Victory Over Orcas on Bakari's Crucial Treys
Bakari's Fourth Quarter Fire Powers Wardens Past Orcas in Hard-Fought Contest
WASHINGTON D.C. – The Washington Wardens mounted a relentless fourth-quarter comeback, ultimately outlasting the Vancouver Orcas 114-107 in a thrilling World Pro League matchup at Capital Arena. After trailing for much of the second half, the Wardens’ offensive firepower and timely defensive stops paved the way for their hard-fought victory, improving their standing in Season 2.
The Orcas, led by a determined Cleo Vargas, came out strong in the first half, their sharp shooting from beyond the arc keeping them in front. Vancouver extended their lead to as many as ten points in the third quarter, with Lena Petrov and Samuel Cho contributing significant scoring bursts. However, the tide began to turn late in the third as the Wardens’ defense tightened, forcing key turnovers.
The game truly swung in Aisha Bakari’s favor in the final period. After a back-and-forth start to the fourth, Bakari ignited a 9-0 run for the Wardens with two clutch three-pointers, electrifying the home crowd. Kenji Sato, who finished with 19 points, provided crucial support with several key baskets, while Oscar Nielsen dominated the boards, snagging a game-high 15 rebounds.
“We knew we had to dig deep,” said Bakari after the game, who poured in 20 points, including 12 in the decisive fourth quarter. “They hit us hard, but we never stopped believing. We just focused on executing, and the shots started falling.”
The Orcas fought valiantly, with Vargas leading all scorers with 16 points and Zara Ahmed adding 8 rebounds, but the Wardens’ balanced attack and late-game execution proved too much. Washington’s ability to create opportunities and convert them was a decisive factor.
“This was a testament to our team’s resilience,” commented Wardens Head Coach, Evelyn Reed. “Vancouver played a great game, but our guys showed tremendous heart and executed our game plan when it mattered most. We have to carry this momentum forward.”
Key Notes:
- Aisha Bakari (WAS) scored 12 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter.
- Oscar Nielsen (WAS) recorded a game-high 15 rebounds.
- The Wardens dished out 30 assists on 44 made field goals.
- The Orcas shot an efficient 15-of-44 from three-point range but struggled to contain the Wardens’ late surge.