MM 4.30: Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury demolish Japanese national team

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 29: <a class= — PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 29: Alyssa Thomas #25 of the Phoenix Mercury grabs the rebound during the game against the Japanese Women National Team during a 2026 preseason game on April 29, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Nolan Rogalski

Thu, April 30, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC ·

3 min read

The WNBA preseason has just begun, but former Maryland women’s basketball great Alyssa Thomas already looks to be in pure midseason form.

Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury faced off against the Japanese national team — yes, THE Japanese national team — in an exhibition game Wednesday, and the Mercury came away with an 86-60 win. With more than 7,000 fans in attendance, Thomas put on a clinic, finishing with eight points, six rebounds and a whopping nine assists across 26 minutes.

The WNBA’s single-season triple-double record holder looks like she has a chance of rebreaking her own record before her 13th professional season even tips off. Considering eight points, five rebounds and seven assists came in her 16 first-half minutes, Thomas appears set to continue dominating the stat sheet.

In other news

Maryland tennis is on its way to the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland women’s basketball has the seventh-best freshman class in the country.

Maryland football extended an offer to four-star class of 2028 athlete Jakye Beard.

The Terps also extended an offer to four-star class of 2028 defensive back Tyler Boyd.

Maryland commit class of 2028 running back Jerome Larue was upgraded to a 4-star prospect.

Former Terp Matt Shaw went yard for the Cubs and earned the deciding run in a 5-4 victory over the Padres on Wednesday.

Former Maryland men’s basketball player Darius Adams committed to North Carolina State.