The Toronto Tempo delivered one of the most memorable performances in WNBA history on Thursday night, routing the Los Angeles Sparks 125-97 at Coca-Cola Coliseum behind a record-tying performance from Marina Mabrey.
Mabrey was unstoppable from the opening tip, pouring in 19 first-quarter points before finishing with 53 points, tying the WNBA single-game scoring record. She shot 17-for-28 from the field, knocked down nine three-pointers, and added 10 free throws in a spectacular offensive display that energized the home crowd.
The Tempo dominated from start to finish, building a 38-24 lead after the first quarter and never looking back. Toronto’s offense was firing on all cylinders, finishing with 125 points—the highest total in franchise history. Julie Allemand orchestrated the attack with a brilliant double-double, recording 13 points and 14 assists while shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.
Los Angeles was led by Dearica Hamby and Nneka Ogwumike, who each scored 21 points, but the injury-depleted Sparks had no answer for Toronto’s relentless pace and hot shooting. The Tempo improved to 9-9 on the season with the emphatic victory, snapping their recent skid and giving the home fans a historic night to remember.
Mabrey’s 53-point masterpiece tied the WNBA scoring record previously shared by Liz Cambage and A’ja Wilson, cementing her place in league history and providing the defining moment of Toronto’s inaugural WNBA season. The victory gives the Tempo valuable momentum as they continue their homestand and push toward playoff contention.
