👋 GOOD MORNING - Happy Thursday! Almost through the week!

I’ve got a shameless plug here, but make sure you tune in to our PHNX Hockey Podcast today at 10:30 am — Leah, Petey and I are dusting off the old microphones and boy, do we have a show planned for you! There’s been a lot of talk about hockey’s status in The Valley, and we’re going to break it all down for you.

Hope to catch you in the chat. On to the show!

— Patrick Brown, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

Get ready for a little championship basketball.

The Phoenix Mercury kick off the best-of-seven WNBA Finals against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday, playing Games 1 and 2 in Sin City before returning home to PHX Arena for Games 3 and 4. The Aces are a slight Game 1 favorite, opening at -3.0 on bet365, and the oddsmakers also favor 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson to win MVP.

Don’t you dare count out the Mercury, though.

Phoenix has beaten the odds in every series this postseason, knocking off both of last year’s finalists en route to its first WNBA Finals appearance since 2021, and sixth overall. The Mercury won it all in 2007, 2009 and 2014.

The two played four games against each other in the regular season, and though Phoenix won the first of those meetings, Vegas rolled off the next three to snag the season series 3-1. Two of the three losses were by three points.

Vegas is indeed the favorite after rolling to a 30-14 regular season record — entering the playoffs as the second seed — but all Phoenix has done throughout the entire season is prove the doubters wrong. Can they do it again?

Vegas is aiming for its third title over the last four years, so this group has both the talent and the know-how to come out on top. Still, the playoffs have been a grind for the Aces, as each series to this point has gone the maximum number of games (won in three games over Seattle in the First Round, and five games in the Semifinals).

Not that it matters too much any more, but Vegas also finished the regular season on an absolute tear, winning 16 straight games.

WNBA Finals Schedule:

Game 1: Friday, 5 pm, ESPN
Game 2: Sunday, 12 pm, ABC
Game 3: Wednesday, 5 pm, ESPN
Game 4: Friday, Oct. 10, 5 pm, ESPN
Game 5 (if necessary): Sunday, Oct. 12, 12 pm, ABC
Game 6 (if necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5 pm, ESPN
Game 7 (if necessary): Friay, Oct. 17, 5 pm, ESPN

My Take: Call me a homer, because I am, but I’m calling Mercury in six. Phoenix is firing on all cylinders right now and have been playing meaningful games for quite some time. Assuming the big three of Thomas, Sabally and Kahleah Copper continues to play the way they have as of late, the Mercury are a tough out.

Cowboy Up: The Wildcats are set to take on Oklahoma State in Tucson this weekend, looking to bounce back after a humbling defeat in Ames last Saturday. It’s the perfect opportunity for Arizona, as Oklahoma State has struggled mightily this season, resulting in the dismissal of their longtime coach, Mike Gundy.

Arizona (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) vs. Oklahoma State (1-3, 0-1)
Game info: Saturday, 12 pm, TNT / HBO Max
bet365 odds: Arizona -20.5
Last Meeting: Arizona 59, Oklahoma State 38 (Sept. 8, 2012)

The Wildcats are actually 4-5 against the Cowboys all-time, but shouldn’t have much trouble against arguably the worst team in the Big 12 this season.

Despite what the final score said against Iowa State last week, Arizona’s offense performed quite well, compiling 360 total yards of offense while only committing two penalties. The Cowboys allow the most points (35.0) and total yards (473.0) in the conference.

The worst thing you can do in a situation like this is give an underdog any sort of belief, so the Wildcats need to strike early and often. If they can get out of the first half up by two scores or more, it should be smooth sailing from there.

Leavitt to Sam: Congrats to ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was named one of Davey O’Brien Award’s “Great 8” for his performance against TCU last week. He completed 69 percent of his passes (27-for-39) for 291 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 62 yards on 13 carries and a touchdown.

Trey it Ain’t So: Cardinals running back Trey Benson is officially on the IR, leaving the Cardinals with a huge hole at running back considering James Conner’s season-ending injury. So, what’s their next move until Benson can return? Check out our PHNX Cardinals pod for all of the info!

Benson is expected to miss at least four games, and Emari Demercado, Michael Carter and Bam Knight are all expected to get looks during his absence.

Give Stephen a follow for everything WNBA Finals related!

Anticipation building for the Finals…