Lynx Stay Perfect in Preseason, Edge Nigeria 88-79

The Minnesota Lynx extended their preseason winning streak to two games Monday night, dispatching the Nigerian Women's National Team 88-79 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The victory gave the defending champions an early boost heading into the regular season, while offering international competition ahead of their campaign. Courtney Williams paced the Lynx with 17 points, shooting 7-for-9 from the field and 1-for-1 from the free throw line in a performance that showcased the efficiency expected from Minnesota's roster. The Lynx led throughout much of the contest, building advantages in the first and third quarters before closing out the final frame with composed execution. Nigeria kept pace early, posting 26 points in the opening quarter against Minnesota's 27. However, the Lynx pulled ahead in the second quarter outscoring the African nation 19-17, and never relinquished control. The fourth quarter proved decisive, with Minnesota's 21 points to Nigeria's 20 sealing the outcome. Monday's matchup held special significance for Kansas City basketball fans. Hosted by ProHoops Sports & Events, it marked the first WNBA game played in the city since 2005, reviving professional women's basketball in a market hungry for elite-level competition. The international flavor added another dimension to the preseason slate, allowing the Lynx to test themselves against a competitive national team preparing for its own commitments. With a 2-0 preseason record, the Lynx continue their preparation for the regular season under controlled circumstances, building chemistry and evaluating their roster depth against quality opponents. The victory over Nigeria demonstrated Minnesota's ability to execute fundamentally sound basketball while showcasing individual talent like Williams' efficient shooting performance.