Tempo's Mabrey scores 53 to tie WNBA single-game scoring record

play
Marina Mabrey ties WNBA single-game record with 53 points (1:57)

TORONTO -- Marina Mabrey matched the WNBA scoring record with 53 points to help the Toronto Tempo rout the Los Angeles Sparks 125-97 on Thursday night.

Mabrey tied the mark set by Liz Cambage for Dallas against New York on July 17, 2018, and by A'ja Wilson for Las Vegas at Atlanta on Aug. 22, 2023.

When she checked out of the game with a minute remaining, fans briefly booed the substitution before erupting into cheers in acknowledgment of her big night. The clock ticked down to zero with chants of "We Want Mabrey! We Want Mabrey!"

Tempo coach Sandy Brondello said afterward that she would have let Mabrey stay in the game to pursue sole possession of the record but that Mabrey chose to come out.

Mabrey's historic night also included a record-tying nine 3-pointers, a feat she has now achieved twice in her career. She finished 17-of-28 from the field and made 10 of 12 free throws in 32 minutes.

Mabrey, who shattered the expansion team's previous high of 38 points -- done twice by Brittney Sykes -- has been red-hot over the past three games, totaling 113 points, the most in a three-game span in WNBA history.

Julie Allemand added 13 points and 14 assists for Toronto in the highest-scoring game in the team's short history.

Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with 21 points apiece.

Toronto climbed back to .500 at 9-9, and Los Angeles fell to 8-9.

The Tempo opened a nine-game homestand that includes two games at Montreal's Bell Centre.

The Associated Press and ESPN Research contributed to this report.