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Jackie Young and Aja Wilson scored 22 points and finished with double-doubles to lead the Las Vegas Aces to an 89-82 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. Young made eight of 18 shots, including four of nine from three-point range, and had 11 assists and six rebounds for two-time champion Las Vegas (2-0).
But it was one young player that stand out because of her defensive play and it has already earned the respect of a veteran that is a winner.
Former Iowa star Kate Martin has been able to help her team stay undefeated in a game that seemed to have controlled for most of the time. The second rounder only had three points in 26 minutes on the court but a block and the way she goes about for her team has Kelsey Plum convinced she can be an important player during the season.
When Plum was asked about the rookie, it was pretty clear on what she has on her mind when it comes to her. "Kate Money Martin...I love that kid!," she said after their victory over the winless Sparks.
Earning the trust and respect of her teammates will definitely help the young Martin during her first year in professional basketball.
Others also shined during the Aces victory
Aja Wilson made nine of 20 three-pointers attempts, grabbed 10 rebounds and three steals. Kelsey Plum had three 3-pointers and 17 goals with five assists and three steals, while Alisha Clark was 5-for-7 with three 3-pointers for Las Vegas.
Diarica Hamby led Los Angeles with 29 points. Hamby made 12 of 16 field goals, but only five of 11 free throws. She contributed nine rebounds and three steals. Lexi Brown scored 16 points. Kia Nurse and reserve Ricky Jackson contributed 13 points.
Las Vegas led by 12 three times during a 29-point third quarter to take a 71-59 lead and never looked back.