The Washington Mystics rallied from a three-point deficit after three quarters to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 80-70 on Saturday night at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. The Sparks led 58-55 entering the fourth quarter, but the Mystics erupted for 25 points in the final period while holding Los Angeles to 12.
Los Angeles opened the game with a strong offensive showing, scoring 21 points in the first quarter. Washington answered with 24 points to take a three-point lead into the second. Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks with 10 points in the opening period, while Rae Burrell added six. For Washington, Kiki Iriafen scored 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting, helping the Mystics take the early advantage.
The Sparks responded in the second quarter, outscoring Washington 18-17. Burrell scored six points during the period, while Dearica Hamby added four. Erica Wheeler and Alissa Pili each contributed three. Washington remained in front at halftime, taking a 41-39 lead into the locker room. Iriafen had 14 points through two quarters, while Sonia Citron had 10 and Austin had seven.
Los Angeles regained control in the third quarter, scoring 19 points compared with Washington’s 14. Burrell scored nine points in the period, shooting 3-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. The Sparks entered the fourth quarter with a 58-55 lead. Washington shot 35.3% from the field in the third quarter and went 0-for-3 from three-point range.
The Mystics saved their best offensive performance for the fourth quarter. Washington shot 64.3% from the field and made 2-of-3 attempts from three-point range while scoring 25 points. Citron scored 10 points in the quarter, going 4-of-5 from the field and 2-of-2 from three-point range. Austin added eight points on 3-of-4 shooting.
Los Angeles struggled to generate offense down the stretch, shooting just 25% from the field in the fourth quarter. Burrell scored five points, Ogwumike added two and Pili finished with three, as the Sparks managed only 12 points in the final period.
Citron led all scorers with 21 points and added eight assists for Washington. She shot 8-of-14 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range. Iriafen finished with 19 points and eight rebounds on 9-of-12 shooting, while Austin recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
For Los Angeles, Burrell finished with 20 points, while Ogwumike recorded 15 points and seven rebounds. Hamby added 11 points and seven rebounds. The Sparks shot 39.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
Washington finished the night with a 43-27 advantage on the glass and scored 60 points in the paint compared with 30 for Los Angeles. The Mystics also held a 10-4 edge in second-chance points. After trailing by three entering the fourth quarter, Washington closed the game with a 25-12 advantage to secure the 80-70 victory.
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