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Australian star Bec Allen ejected for fighting

Written By

Peter Brown

basketball.com.au

Australian star Bec Allen ejected for fighting
Australian star Bec Allen ejected for fighting

Bria Hartley #14 of the Connecticut Sun and Rebecca Allen #9 of the Chicago Sky scrap under the basket in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on August 14, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Photo: Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images

Highlights

Australian Rebecca Allen ejected for fighting after "being elbowed in the face" by Bria Hartley

Australian wing Bec Allen was one of three players ejected after a scuffle in the second quarter of the Connecticut Sun's 71-62 win against the Chicago Sky on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Australian Opals' Allen was ejected for fighting Sun's Bria Hartley as they contested a rebound while Sky guard Ariel Atkins joined the fray, pushing Hartley while also making contact with a referee.

Sky coach Tyler Marsh said officials had "overlooked" an earlier incident between the two. He said they missed Hartley hitting Allen in the face with an elbow.

"I think things like that have a tendency to happen when there's not a control put on the game prior to," Marsh said.

"There's usually an incident that goes overlooked that leads to something like that.

"[Allen] clearly got elbowed in the face right in front of the ref and it wasn't called. Then other things ensued.

"It's unfortunate for us. Two players that play high-quality, high-valuable minutes for us."

This is the play that Marsh claimed Hartley elbowed Allen in the face the officials let go. It was at the 6:52 minute mark.
Allen, after clearly being struck in the face, grabs her chin and Hartley drives to the bucket.

Allen clearly has words with the official on the way back down the floor in offensive transition and then attacks the offensive glass on the Sky's next shot. The scuffle broke out at the 6:35 mark. Allen and Hartley clashed and Hartley pushed Allen to the floor as the referees stepped in to separate the players.

The video review took 10 minutes. Crew chief Angelica Suffren ejected Hartley and Allen for fighting and Atkins "for being an escalator".

Ariel Atkins #7 and Rachel Banham #24 of the Chicago Sky race to the aid of teammate Rebecca Allen #9 in a scuffle with Bria Hartley #14 of the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on August 14, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Photo: Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images

Key Details

  • Result: Connecticut Sun 71 def. Chicago Sky 62
  • When: August 14, 2025
  • Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, CT, USA
  • Standings: Connecticut Sun (#12) | Chicago Sky (#10) Standings

By the Numbers

  • Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) starred with 15 points, five rebounds, and one assist in 28 minutes.
  • Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky) scored 12 points, and had eight rebounds, one assist, and one block in 25 minutes.

What Happened

Rebecca Allen #9 of the Chicago Sky has marks on her shoulder after a scuffle with Bria Hartley #14 of the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on August 14, 2025 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Photo: Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images

The Sun established control early, taking a 21-18 lead in the first quarter before expanding it to a commanding 42-28 advantage by halftime. Connecticut's defence was exceptional, holding Chicago to just 10 points in the second quarter while their balanced offensive attack kept the pressure on.

A key sequence came midway through the second quarter when Connecticut went on a 12-2 run, highlighted by Olivia Nelson-Ododa's efficient inside play. The Sun's lead ballooned to 14 points, providing a cushion they would maintain throughout the contest.

With 5:31 remaining in the fourth quarter, Tina Charles connected on a crucial three-pointer that pushed the Sun's lead back to seven points after Chicago had cut it to four. This shot effectively halted the Sky's momentum and secured Connecticut's victory.

The Sun's offensive efficiency was the difference in this contest. They shot 40.8 percent from the field (29-from-71) compared to Chicago's 38.7 percent (24-from-62). Connecticut also forced 21 turnovers while committing just six of their own, creating additional scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Connecticut's rim protection was outstanding with eight blocks to Chicago's four. Leila Lacan contributed significantly with nine points and strong defensive play, while Saniya Rivers added seven points and solid perimeter defence.

Despite the loss dropping them to 8-23, Chicago saw Kamilla Cardoso continue her solid rookie campaign with 12 points and eight rebounds. Connecticut improved to 5-26, but remains at the bottom of the WNBA standings with limited games remaining in the season.

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