Connecticut Prevails Over Washington In Overtime (6-27-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: WNBA
Washington D.C- The Washington Mystics lost 94-91 in a nail-biting contest against the Connecticut Sun in overtime last night. Connecticut (14-3) ends its two-game losing streak and now will have the series advantage over Washington (4-14) on the season.
DiJonai Carrington came up huge for the Sun in overtime scoring 10 of their 12 points. Ultimately Carrington finished with 22 points hitting four 3-pointers, grabbing four rebounds, and stealing the ball twice.
The Mystics got off to a great start and led by as much as 16 in the second quarter. Connecticut would ultimately claw its way back into the game tying it up and even leading at one point.
In the fourth, Washington was able to reclaim the lead and went up 82-77 with under two minutes remaining in the game. Three straight empty offensive possessions by Washington kept the Sun in the game. The last was a crucial shot clock violation, in which Tyasha Harris made a key 3-pointer to cut the Mystics lead down to two.
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough had a crucial turnover on the next possession that led to a Carrington layup down the left baseline with a foul call for a potential and-one play. Carrington missed the free throw attempt allowing D.C a chance to win the game. Washington held the ball down to the last 5 seconds before Vanloo drove down the lane in which the referee deemed the use of her off-arm an offensive foul. With one second remaining the Sun advanced the ball and inbounded the ball to DeWanna Bonner who heaved up a 28-foot three-pointer that went off.
The first minute of overtime went scoreless until Brionna Jones made a hook shot to kick off the scoring. Myisha Hines-Allen, having a big game, immediately responded with a three-point play to put the Mystics ahead 85-84. Carrington scored five straight points giving the Sun an 89-85 lead with 2:22 on the clock. Vanloo hit a timely three-pointer to cut the lead to one.
Carrington made her second 3-pointer of the quarter with a little under a minute remaining. Vanloo then put up a tough three-pointer that went off the mark, but a key offensive rebound by Walker-Kimbrough allowed her to kick it out to Hines-Allen who drove it on Jones for an and-one opportunity. After hitting the free throw the Sun led by one.
Connecticut missed a three-point attempt allowing D.C a chance to win the game. Atkins drove the lane and found an open Walker-Kimbrough in the left corner for a three-pointer that rimmed off, Carrington secured the defensive rebound and was intentionally fouled with 3.9 seconds left. She hit both free throws, and Washington was forced to go the length of the court for a potential tying three with no timeouts remaining, and Vanloo missed a 48-foot heave.
Harris had 23 points on 9-14 shooting, and Bonner finished with a 24 and 10 double-double performance.
Hines-Allen had an excellent performance with 21 points on a perfect 8-8 shooting from the field, grabbing 7 rebounds and a block.
The Mystics had 5 other players who scored in double figures which were Stefanie Dolson, Jade Melbourne, Walker-Kimbrough, Vanloo, and Atkins.
Washington hurt themselves committing 23 turnovers that led to 32 Sun points.
The Mystics fought hard as they were missing Brittney Sykes, Shakira Austin, Karlie Samuelson, and Aaliyah Edwards leaving them with 8 active players.
Up next the defending champs Las Vegas Aces come to town for a showdown at 2 p.m.
