Fowles, Collier of Lynx out-duel Wilson, Cambage of Aces in epic paint battle

Sylvia Fowles had 30 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four steals and four blocks as the Minnesota Lynx (7-7) defeated the Las Vegas Aces (10-4) 90-89 in overtime on Friday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Fowles’ Lynx teammate and frontcourt mate Napheesa Collier added 23 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Their efforts outweighed the 28 points and 14 rebounds that came from Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson and the 18 points and 20 boards that came from Liz Cambage. Layshia Clarendon, who has been on and off WNBA rosters this year, was also huge for Minnesota with 20 points and seven helpers.

The Lynx nearly blew the 10-point lead they had with 4:59 to go in the fourth as Wilson free throws with two seconds left tied the game at 82. Fowles then missed a baseline mid-range shot that was defended well by Cambage before overtime.

Fowles made the final two Minnesota baskets in overtime to increase the team’s lead to 90-87 with 1:24 to go. Cambage, who had made a three to make it 87-86 Aces, connected on a long two with 1:06 left that cut it to 90-89, but Vegas was unable to score after that.