The Washington Mystics (8-8) traveled to Mohegan Sun Arena to take on the Connecticut Sun (3-15), looking to bounce back after a close loss to the Lynx on Wednesday.
The opening quarter saw a well-balanced battle between the Mystics and Sun, with Washington holding a narrow 14-12 lead after one. Shakira Austin set the tone early for the Mystics with 6 points and 4 rebounds, while Connecticut stayed close behind an active defensive start, recording 3 steals and 3 blocks in the frame. Both teams struggled with turnovers, committing five apiece, but Washington’s 11-6 rebounding edge helped them take a slim advantage into the second quarter.
The Mystics opened the second quarter with a quick three-pointer from Georgia Amoore, immediately stretching Washington’s lead and setting the tone offensively. Connecticut ripped off an 14-5 run to take a 26-19 lead, fueled by defensive intensity and valuable bench production.The Sun outscored Washington 18-12 in the quarter, forcing six Mystics turnovers and turning them into 6 points on the other end. Kennedy Burke gave Connecticut a major lift off the bench with 5 points, 1 assist, and a block, while the Sun’s second unit outscored Washington’s bench 10-2 in the frame.
Despite Washington holding a 13-7 rebounding advantage in the quarter, Connecticut controlled the momentum with cleaner execution, committing just two turnovers and carrying a 30-26 lead into halftime.
The Sun carried their momentum into the third quarter, outscoring Washington 22-21 to take a 52-47 lead into the fourth. Connecticut pushed the advantage to as many as 12 behind strong interior play, dominating the paint 32-16 through three quarters.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa continued to anchor the Sun on both ends, leading Connecticut with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. Brittney Griner added 8 points inside, while Charlisse Leger-Walker kept the offense organized with 5 assists and 3 steals.
Washington stayed within reach behind Georgia Amoore’s hot shooting, as she knocked down four threes and led the Mystics with 12 points. Kiki Iriafen also gave Washington a boost on the glass with 9 points and 10 rebounds, but the Mystics’ 16 turnovers proved costly, leading to 14 Connecticut points on the other end.
The Sun closed the night with a strong defensive finish, outscoring Washington 16-10 in the fourth quarter to secure a 68-57 win at Mohegan Sun Arena. Connecticut’s pressure was the difference, forcing 20 Mystics turnovers and turning them into 22 points on the other end.
Leïla Lacan helped put the game away late, coming up with back-to-back steals in the final minute and finishing with 12 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals. Olivia Nelson-Ododa anchored the Sun inside with 12 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, while Connecticut dominated the paint 40-24.
Washington controlled the glass 45-27 behind Kiki Iriafen’s 11-point, 14-rebound double-double and Shakira Austin’s 12 rebounds, but the Mystics struggled to overcome turnovers and inefficient shooting. Georgia Amoore led Washington with 14 points and 5 assists, while the Sun got balanced scoring with five players in double figures on the way to the win.
The Sun return to action on Monday, July 6, when they travel to Minnesota to take on the Lynx at 5:00 p.m. ET.