Mystics Drop Third-Straight In Tight Affair Against Mercury (5-25-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Mystics
PHOENIX, AZ – The Washington Mystics fell to the Phoenix Mercury, 68-62, on Sunday afternoon at PHX Arena. Monique Akoa Makani hit a late three-pointer with 1:11 on the clock in the fourth, giving the Mercury a two-point lead. The Mystics could not convert on four opportunities to hit a shot to take a lead or tie it up.
Phoenix (3-1) took a comfortable double-digit lead heading into halftime, and they outscored Washington (2-3) 19-7 in the quarter. The Mercury hit five 3-pointers in the quarter, which resulted in 15 of their 19 points.
In the third, Phoenix expanded its lead to as many as 13 at the 7:25 mark after Kathryn Westbeld made a 28-foot three-point shot. However, after an Alyssa Thomas flagrant foul, it ignited the Mystics to outscore the Mercury 19-8 the rest of the quarter. Emily Engstler hit a jumper with two seconds left, making it a 46-44 game entering the fourth.
After forward Kiki Irafen made a transition layup to give the Mystics a six-point lead with 4:23 remaining in the game, they would not hit a jump shot the rest of the way. The Mercury would close out the game, going on a 16-4 run, leading to a victory.
Makani scored 13 points, making three 3-pointers and stealing the ball three times. Satou Sabally scored 12, and Thomas finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Citron had 14 points, leading the Mystics in the scoring department, and Irafen had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Brittney Sykes returned from her one-game absence, scoring 10 points on a rough 1-of-13 shooting from the field.
Aaliyah Edwards made her much-awaited season debut, coming off the bench, playing in 15 minutes, scoring six points, and grabbing seven rebounds.
The Mystics turned the ball over 29 times, resulting in 14 points for the Mercury.
Up Next:
Washington returns home to host the Indiana Fever on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
