UCLA’s own Kiki Rice made her return to Los Angeles this weekend, this time as a pro. Rice was drafted sixth overall to the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA draft.
This weekend, the Los Angeles Sparks took on the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season. The Sparks hosted the Tempo for a two-game series, the first of which ended in a 99-95 win for the Sparks, their first win of the season. The second game ended in a 106-96 loss for the Sparks on Sunday night.
On Sunday, the Sparks started the first quarter strong with an early lead after guard Kelsey Plum scored the first points of the game. However, their lead didn’t last long as Tempo guard Brittney Sykes scored a three-pointer off an assist from guard Marina Mabrey. This momentum continued as the Tempo took advantage of numerous missed shots and fouls from the Sparks.
Rice got her first points of the game halfway through the first quarter off two free throws. A layup from forward Dearica Hamby later in the quarter put the Sparks back in the lead, but ultimately, they could not keep it up. Throughout the rest of the first quarter, the lead changed a total of five times, ending 27-21 for the Tempo.
The second quarter shook things up with plenty of substitutions and an impressive performance by UCLA alum Kiki Rice. The Sparks subbed in Jihyun Park who came out like a firecracker, throwing herself after the ball and displaying tremendous hustle, which was just what the team needed.
After a couple of fouls, Park was replaced with guard Kate Martin, who received a roaring welcome from the crowd in Crypto.com Arena. Martin then scored a three pointer off an assist from Plum less than a minute later. Even so, all the changes the Sparks made could not stop the Tempo, with Sykes and Rice combining for 14 of the Tempo’s 22 points in the quarter. The two teams went into halftime with the Tempo leading 49-40.
The second half saw even more fouls from both teams, ending up in a staggering 27 points off free throws in the third quarter and 59 total fouls called throughout the game. In turn, the fourth quarter saw both Rae Burrell and Cameron Brink foul out, with four other players on their fifth foul.
As the second half closed out, the Tempo kept their lead even as LA made every attempt to close the gap. In the end, the Toronto Tempo beat the Los Angeles Sparks 106-96 with their top scorer Brittney Sykes scoring a career high 38 points and rookie Kiki Rice scoring 19 points in her first career start.
The Tempo will continue their road trip in Phoenix on Tuesday and the Sparks will follow them, beginning their four-game road trip in Phoenix on Thursday.
