Valkyries secure third win with Burtonโ€™s 18 points

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    CHICAGO โ€” The Golden State Valkyries secured a 73-66 victory over the undermanned Chicago Sky on Friday night, marking their third consecutive win. Veronica Burton led the charge with 18 points, while Janelle Salaun contributed significantly with 16 points.

    Iliana Rupert was also instrumental, scoring 14 points, including four from beyond the arc, and Carla Leite added 11 points. The Valkyries (14-13) demonstrated efficiency from the line, hitting 15 of their 16 free-throw attempts and sinking 10 of 30 from the three-point line.

    Elizabeth Williams top-scored for the Chicago Sky with 15 points and eight rebounds. Kamilla Cardoso recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Rachel Banham also had 14 points on the night. Kia Nurse contributed 10 points to the Skyโ€™s effort.

    Chicago played without several key players: Angel Reese out with a back issue, Ariel Atkins sidelined by a leg injury, and Hailey Van Lith absent due to an ankle problem.

    The game remained tight through three quarters, with Burton hitting a crucial three-pointer in the final seconds of the third to bring the Valkyries within two points at 54-52. Building on that momentum, Golden State opened the fourth quarter with a commanding 12-2 run, establishing a 64-56 advantage.

    Despite a valiant effort from Chicago to close the gap to 67-66 with just over two minutes left, they were unable to score again. Burton ensured the Valkyriesโ€™ victory by sinking four consecutive free throws in the closing 35 seconds.

    Prior to the game, it was announced by the Valkyries that Monique Billings, who was absent due to a sprained right ankle, is set to be re-evaluated in three weeks. Cecilia Zandalasini, having recently hit a career-high 18 points earlier in the week, did not feature in this match.