Imbalanced offense dooms Mystics in loss to Sun

Box score
Attendance: 7028
Officials: #39 Michael Price, #48 Marissa Whaley, #55 Eric Brewton

WASHINGTON – The Mystics dropped their second game in row to the Connecticut Sun 79-71 at the Verizon Center on Thursday night. Washington (1-3) trailed most of the game and only managed to take the lead briefly in the fourth quarter when Nicky Anosike hit a jumper with 5:45 left. Connecticut (3-1) quickly got the momentum back on their side as they ran off nine unanswered points in two minutes.

Key Points

Connecticut’s Tina Charles (26 points, 10 rebounds) quickly established her dominance in the paint on both ends of the floor. With Renee Montgomery’s (23 points, five assists) ability to penetrate the defense, the Sun’s offensive attack was a more than the injury-plagued Mystics could handle. The bench for the Sun contributed quality minutes, including 15 total rebounds and 11 points from guard Tan White.

Although, the Mystics’ Nicky Anosike (10 points, 10 rebounds) notched her third double-double of the season, Washington’s guards struggled to get the ball into the post. With over 50 percent of their field goal scoring coming from beyond the arc, the Mystics need find ways to balance their offense. They scored 18 points in the paint compared to Connecticut’s 38.

On the defensive end, Washington guard Matee Ajavon fouled out in the fourth quarter at 3:40. Sun forward Asjha Jones fouled with 35.5 seconds left in the game.

Up Next

The Mystics head to Tulsa to face the winless Shock on Saturday June 18. The Sun look to avenge their only loss in a matchup against the Chicago Sky at home on Sunday June 19.

		Connecticut	Washington
Defensive Rebounds		26	25
Offensive Rebounds		11	14
Turnovers		11	14
Fast Break Points		19	5
Biggest Lead:		17	1
Points in the Paint		38	18

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