Arike Ogunbowale hits game winner over the Fever

Caitlin Clark had been looking forward to Friday night for a very long time. In her debut for the WNBA, she scored 21 points, 15 of which came from long 3s. The fans loved it — and they were ready for it. UT-Arlington's College Park Center, which holds just over 6,500, was sold out for the game - unusual for a preseason game. Tons of fans were in Clark jerseys and t-shirts, sporting both Fever and Iowa gear. And Clark loved it.

But it was Arike Ogunbowale's night in the end. The sixth-year WNBA guard hit a crossover, step-back 3 with three seconds to go - Clark's signature move for years at Iowa — to give Dallas a three-point lead, and Clark’s three at the buzzer fell short. This gave the Wings a 79-76 win over the Indiana Fever in their preseason opener. Ogunbowale finished Friday night's contest with 19 points. The game-winner was her only made 3-pointer of the night.

In the 28 years of the WNBA's history, it's safe to say that this was one of the most anticipated preseason games in the league's history, with people all over tuning in to see what Clark would do as a professional. I am anxiously awaiting the start of the WNBA season and wish all the players and coaches an enjoyable and successful season. I believe this is the year that the WNBA will be elevated to another level, and I can't wait.