UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Aneesah Morrow #24 of the Connecticut Sun scores against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Brittney Griner #42 of the Connecticut Sun celebrates a three pointer against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
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UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty loses the ball after being found by Aneesah Morrow #24 of the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
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UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty drives by Charlisse Leger-Walker #4 of the Connecticut Sun New York Liberty in the second quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Kennedy Burke #25 of the Connecticut Sun battles Rebekah Gardner #7 of the New York Liberty for a loose ball in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
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UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Aneesah Morrow #24 of the Connecticut Sun beast Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty to a rebound in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty shoots over Kennedy Burke #22 of the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Anneli Maley #24 of the New York Liberty shoots over Brittney Griner #42 of the Connecticut Sun in the second quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun reacts to a foul by Rebekah Gardner #7 of the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Brittney Griner #42 of the Connecticut Sun shoots over Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Olivia Nelson-Ododa #10 loses the ball defended Jonquel Jones #35, Rebekah Gardner #7 and Alex Fowler #12 of the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Harmoni Turner #14 of the Connecticut Sun is fouled by Alex Fowler #12 of the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Madison Hayes #21 of the Connecticut Sun shoots over Alex Fowler #12 of the New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Diamond Miller #1 of the Connecticut Sun shoots over Derin Erdogan #17 New York Liberty in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty shoots over Kennedy Burke #25 of the Connecticut Sun during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Kennedy Burke #25 of the Connecticut Sun battles Anneli Maley #24 of the New York Liberty during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Gianna Kneepkens #5 of the Connecticut Sun pressures Pauline Astier #18 of the New York Liberty during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty argues a foul call during play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Diamond Miller #1 of the Connecticut Sun battles Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty during the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – MAY 03: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty shoots over the defense of Aneesah Morrow #24 and Saniya Rivers #22 of the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 3, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images)
Sean D. Elliot/Getty Images
UNCASVILLE — Olivia Nelson-Ododa was asked to use one word to describe the Connecticut Sun’s identity for the 2026 season.
The former UConn women’s basketball standout said, “Hungry.”
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But in the team’s final preseason tune-up Sunday evening against New York, the Sun seemed to lack such desire. There were some bright splashes of potential and fun vibes, but it wasn’t enough to contain the Liberty.
Connecticut ended its preseason slate with a 1-1 record following Sunday’s 79-67 loss to New York and after beating Toronto last Wednesday.
The team now turns the page to the regular season.
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Final roster cuts will be made within the coming days as practices intensify and expectations rise. Connecticut opens the regular season Friday night at New York before hosting Seattle on May 10 in the home opener.
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Despite the 2026 season being the franchise’s final in Connecticut as the team relocates to Houston next year, the Sun are aiming to turn its young core into something special this summer.
“I think especially the people that were here last year, we weren’t satisfied with just the way that season went, and I think how we all just played individually in general,” said Nelson-Ododa. “I think (we’re) using this offseason to really prepare for a season where people count us out and really don’t expect much from us.
“But we still know what we’re capable of and what we train for and practice for each and every day, and what we can bring to each game. I think that’s the biggest thing that we’re carrying with us right now, just that hunger to get better, to improve, and to really just go out there and win as many games as possible.”
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Takeaways from the Sun’s preseason finale against New York:
Growing Pains
Whether it was the Sun’s young roster or their new pieces, or perhaps a mixture of both, the team lacked connection throughout Sunday’s game. Communication died out quickly, and too often players turned the ball over by trying to do too much. The Sun ended with 16 turnovers and got called for 19 fouls.
Once the starters checked out, Connecticut’s second unit looked flustered and fell stagnant on defense. Its offense struggled to put together runs and share the ball. New Sun star Brittney Griner led with 16 points, but Connecticut fell into the bad habit of leaning on the 10-time All-Star instead of trying to get others open.
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“We played well with BG, but we need to move more around her,” said Sun head coach Rachid Meziane. “I think that every time we find her, we’re watching her too much and just putting everything on her. And she’s a good passer, so teammates have to understand that, but they have to move around her and create some windows to just give her the opportunity to kick some balls (out).”
Final test for newbies
Meziane said before Sunday’s game that he would like to make final roster cuts within the next couple days, so that the team can close out training camp with its opening-day roster. Connecticut currently has 18 players on its roster, including 16 in its training camp. The max the team can carry is 14, which includes two developmental players.
On Sunday, everyone who was available played at least five minutes except for Mamignan Toure, who didn’t play at all. Outside of the Sun’s draftees, training camp contract players Harmoni Turner and Raegan Beers impressed against the Liberty.
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Turner missed Wednesday’s preseason game at Toronto with an illness. On Sunday, she had seven points and two rebounds in 14 minutes. Beers, who went undrafted in April’s college draft, finished with five points, two steals, two assists and two rebounds. Throughout Sunday’s game, Griner was seen pulling Beers aside and giving her advice on how to move her body around defenders and giving her encouragement, especially after she made a 3-pointer in the first quarter.
“Raegan, we are not surprised anymore about what she’s capable to do,” said Meziane. “Her presence inside, her shooting ability, you know, I mean, for a tall player like her, she’s smart, she understands everything, she’s a sponge. She really wants to learn every day, every minute of each practice.
“Her (two) offensive fouls means a lot, you know, for me, because she’s playing physical, she’s doing what we want. She’s a really good teammate. And again, you know her shooting abilities, for her size; it’s something I want to value.”
Kyla Oldacre was picked up by the Sun on Wednesday after getting waived from Dallas’ training camp last Sunday. The center joined Connecticut on Friday and played the final four-plus minutes against New York.
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Returners stepping up
The Sun’s young returning core remains grounded in Saniya Rivers, Aneesah Morrow and Nelson-Ododa.
The three were quick to help set the tone on Sunday. Rivers (six points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal) played point guard for the second straight preseason game as the lone guard in the starting five. Nelson-Ododa (nine points, four rebounds) held her ground against New York’s big three – including getting a bucket over 6-foot-11 Han Xu.
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Morrow did a little bit of everything. The former LSU star was the Sun’s most consistent presence. She played without hesitation and chased after every rebound, finishing with a game-high eight boards on top of eight points and one steal.
“Aneesah has something that it’s very hard to teach; her energy, her hustle,” said Meziane. “I do think that we work a lot with her on her court vision, and to maybe work on her shot selection. That’s something she needs to improve and work on her decision-making. We know that she’s a versatile player, and sometimes she has to just understand when she has to use her energy and sometimes when she has to play more, you know, as a team.”