SouthernWorldwide.com – In a landmark performance that etched her name in the WNBA record books, Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo achieved a historic feat by scoring 53 points, tying the league’s single-game scoring record.
This exceptional scoring outburst came during the Tempo’s commanding 125-94 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night. Mabrey’s 53 points place her in an elite club, as only A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage have previously reached this scoring milestone in a single WNBA game.
Mabrey’s offensive clinic was highlighted by an impressive nine three-pointers. Her scoring prowess was instrumental in the Tempo setting a new WNBA record for the highest point total scored in a regulation game. While the Phoenix Mercury scored 127 points in a 2010 game, that contest extended into double overtime.
The star player was in phenomenal form from the outset, amassing 27 points by halftime. She continued her scoring spree in the third quarter, adding another 12 points to her tally, bringing her total to a remarkable 39 points heading into the final period.
With the game’s outcome largely decided, the Tempo focused on getting Mabrey the ball, with the hope of her reaching a new individual record. She consistently took and made three-pointers, much to the delight of the cheering crowd, as she approached and eventually reached the 53-point mark.
Mabrey had approximately two minutes remaining on the clock to potentially break the record outright. However, her final two three-point attempts did not convert, and she was substituted out of the game with just over a minute left to play.
The arena erupted in cheers and a standing ovation for Mabrey, while her Tempo teammates enthusiastically congratulated her on her historic achievement.
Adding a layer of emotional significance to the night, Mabrey’s sister, Michaela, who also had a notable basketball career at Notre Dame after their shared success in New Jersey girls’ basketball, was present to witness the event.
Michaela rushed onto the court immediately after the final buzzer sounded, embracing her sister in a touching moment that was clearly meaningful for the Mabrey family.
In a post-game interview, Marina Mabrey shared that her sister does not often get to see her play, making this particular game even more special.
“None of this happens without my teammates. They really found me,” Marina stated. “For a three-point shooter, you need your teammates to set screens and deliver the pass, and that’s what they did.”
This season marks the inaugural year for the Tempo, an expansion franchise that built its roster through an expansion draft. Mabrey has been a pivotal player for the team in their early games, having previously set a franchise record for most points in a game with 37 points last week, a record now surpassed by her latest performance.
Mabrey’s final statistics for the game were impressive: 17-of-28 shooting from the field, including 9-of-18 from beyond the arc, for her 53 points. She also contributed six rebounds and two assists to the Tempo’s dominant victory.
