Atlanta Dream forward Sancho Lyttle has temporarily left the team to play with the Spanish National team in the Eurobasket Women 2011 tournament. Lyttle missed Atlanta's road loss in Minnesota on Friday and will miss the Dream's next five games. She is expected to rejoin the club on July 9 against Chicago.
The Eurobasket Women 2011 tournament is the European women's championship and is a qualifying tournament for the 2012 Olympics. Lyttle helped Spain to a bronze medal finish in the 2010 FIBA World Championships for Women.
Even though Lyttle's absence was expected, it really couldn't come at a worse time for the Dream who have stumbled out of the gate to a 1-4 start. Atlanta has struggled defensively even with Lyttle in the lineup and her absence will not make things any easier. Lyttle is averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.0 steals this season.
While she is gone, Lyttle will be temporarily placed on the suspended list.
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