How Tempo’s Sandy Brondello saved Marina Mabrey’s record chase during 53-point game

Marina Mabrey woke up on Thursday and felt dangerous.

Mabrey led the Toronto Tempo to a lopsided win over the Los Angeles Sparks at Coca-Cola Coliseum, dropping a career-high 53 points. She shot 17-of-28 from the field, including 9-of-18 from long distance.

She tied A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage for most points in a game in league history. She reached the feat with a three-pointer with 2:49 left in the fourth quarter, much to the delight of the crowd.

Amid the blowout, Mabrey wanted to come out. Tempo coach Sandy Brondello, however, refused to sit her down, urging her to go for the record.

“She wanted to come out. I said, ‘No, no, no, you have to stay, you have to go for this record,” said Brondello in the video posted by TSN Sports.

Marina Mabrey tried checking herself out of the game, but Sandy Brondello wouldn't let her.

Mabrey went on to finish with 53 points, tying the #WNBA single-game scoring record. pic.twitter.com/Vsh26Bu1Fk

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 26, 2026

Mabrey tried to beat the mark. She, however, missed her two attempts from long range before she was finally subbed out with 1:04 remaining in the contest.

The 29-year-old guard has been on a heater. For the second time in three games, she sank nine shots from beyond the arc, which is tied with Kelsey Mitchell, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard, and Chelsea Gray for most three-pointers in a game in league history.

Mabrey, who is enjoying her best campaign, was in disbelief after her 53-point explosion.

“To do it in the WNBA, it’s kind of like a dream come true,” said the eight-year veteran.

Drafted by the Tempo as the sixth overall pick in the expansion draft, Mabrey has embraced being the squad’s go-to scorer, while also providing leadership and experience.

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