Liberty Faces First Loss of the Season Against Portland Fire

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Liberty experienced a tough challenge in the fourth quarter of Tuesday’s game against the Fire, resulting in their first loss of the season, 98-96.

Despite holding a seven-point advantage at halftime, the Fire surged at the start of the second half. The Liberty, however, managed to maintain a seven-point lead entering the final quarter.

Portland remained in contention, with the score tied four times until the last 4 minutes and 47 seconds of the game.

The turning point came when the Liberty committed a crucial three-second violation with just 13.8 seconds left, which proved to be detrimental.

In a dramatic finish, Sarah Ashley Barker made a putback layup at the buzzer, marking the Fire’s first victory in their franchise history.

The match also highlighted Liberty’s two French players, Marine Johannes and Pauline Astier, who stepped up significantly this season, particularly in the absence of Sabrina Ionescu (left foot injury) and Sato Sabally (cyst).

Astier achieved a career-high 25 points, just two days after contributing 18 points in Liberty’s overtime win against the Mystics. This performance places her alongside Ionescu and Rebecca Lobo as the only rookies in franchise history to start with at least 30 points and 10 assists over their first three games.

Johannes is enjoying a strong start to her season as well, scoring 18 points and hitting at least three three-pointers in each of the last three games.

Additionally, three other Liberty starters managed to score in double figures during the game.

The Liberty is set to face the Fire again on Thursday, wrapping up a busy stretch of four games in just seven days.