Sykes, Iriafen, and Citron Lead Washington’s Comeback Over Connecticut (5-18-25)

By: Jaden Golding

Headline Photo Credit: WNBA 

UNCASVILLE, CT – After trailing by as much as 15 points in Sunday’s contest against the Connecticut Sun, the Washington Mystics rallied to defeat the Sun in their season opener 90-85. 

Brittney Sykes had a great outing for D.C., leading the way with 27 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field, with seven assists, and two steals. 

Guard Jade Melbourne chipped in 15 points, hitting three 3-pointers, and had a team-leading +18 rating when on the floor. 

Rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron had huge performances once again in yesterday’s affair. Iriafen posted her first double-double performance of her young career, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Citron scored 15 points with three assists, two steals, and one block. She gave the Mystics (2-0) a key late bucket to put them up by two possessions with 25.4 seconds left. Citron drove down the left lane with a defender on her back, making an off-balance layup. After the game, Sykes said Citron told her when she had fouled out with 46 seconds left, “I’ll just finish what you started.” That’s huge confidence from the rookie in her second career game and displays the swagger she plays with.

The Sun (0-1)  jumped out to a hot start behind 12 paint points, leading by double-digits in the first quarter. However, Washington was able to jump in front after outscoring Connecticut in the second and fourth quarters. 

Tina Charles turned back the clock with a dominant 23-point, 10-rebound double-double showing, along with three steals and two blocks.  

Olivia Nelson-Ododa scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Marina Mabrey, Bria Hartley, and Jacy Sheldon each had 11 points.

Forward-Center Sharkia Austin made her season debut for Washington, playing in seven minutes and scoring four points. Unfortunately, Austin’s night was cut short in the third quarter, after being ejected for yelling something from the bench and receiving her second technical foul. Austin and Mabrey got into a little confrontation in the first quarter, after Austin gave a shove to rookie Kariata Diaby after a tie-up foul. 

Up Next:

On Wednesday evening, Washington travels to the Bay for their first contest against the newly added Golden State Valkyries in their inaugural season at 10 p.m. ET.