Bergstrom's Buzzer-Beater Lifts Aces Over Storm in Thriller, 98-96
Aces Edge Storm on Dramatic Late Shot
SEATTLE – In a heart-stopping World Pro League matchup, the Las Vegas Aces snatched victory from the Seattle Storm, prevailing 98-96 thanks to a dramatic buzzer-beating jump shot from Elias Bergstrom. The intensity was palpable at the Climate Pledge Arena, as both teams battled fiercely for every possession, with the outcome hanging in the balance until the final second.
The Storm, playing with immense grit and fueled by a raucous home crowd, fought back from an early deficit. Zara Petrova led the charge for Seattle, showcasing her offensive prowess with a game-high 22 points and 4 assists. Ronan Doyle provided a crucial spark off the bench, adding 17 points and 3 steals, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor. The Storm’s relentless rebounding, securing 65 boards compared to the Aces’ 51, kept them in contention throughout the contest.
However, the Aces were anchored by the stellar performance of Elias Bergstrom. The veteran guard was a force to be reckoned with, pouring in a contest-best 30 points, including the game-winning bucket. Zoe Sterling also contributed significantly with 11 points, 6 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists, orchestrating the Aces’ offense effectively.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with momentum swinging wildly. A key moment came in the final minute when Ethan Hughes (8 points, 5 assists) stole the ball, setting up a crucial possession for Las Vegas. Despite the Storm’s valiant comeback attempt, Bergstrom’s clutch shot ultimately sealed their fate.
“It was a tough one. We left it all on the court, but credit to Vegas, they made the big play at the end,” said Storm coach Anya Sharma. “We have to learn from this and regroup.”
Bergstrom, visibly elated after the game, commented, “That’s what we practice for. We trust each other, and I was just happy to be the one to knock it down.”
Key Notes:
- Elias Bergstrom scored a game-high 30 points for the Aces.
- Seattle Storm dominated the glass with 65 total rebounds.
- Ronan Doyle recorded 3 steals for the Storm.
- Las Vegas Aces had a superior assist-to-turnover ratio (2.3 AST/TO).