Washington Mystics manage the highest score of the season to defeat Phoenix Mercury – WNBA Recap
The Washington Mystics used a fine start to bring an end to their five game losing streak with a 90-77 win over the Phoenix Mercury. The Mystics came into this game with the lowest scoring average this season but put up a great
effort to score their highest points in a game this season. They led from the start and did not trail after that as they handed Phoenix their 7th road loss in 9 road games.
Crystal Langhorne scored 22 points and grabbed 6 rebounds as she led the Mystics past the Mercury. Charde Houston had a game high 26 points for Phoenix, but could not guarantee a win for her team.
“Anytime you win it's very calming. When you keep losing, it's stressful. To get this win today, it's a good feeling,” said Langhorne after the game.
The first quarter was much more evenly contested than the score board would show. Both Washington and Phoenix fought hard for the lead throughout the period, with Washington leading by only 1 point with 2:14 left in the quarter.
However, Washington finished the period with an 8-0 run out of nowhere, allowing them to take a 27-18 lead into the 2nd period. Phoenix went 0 of 5 during the Mystics run to close the period, as they attempted three shots from the distance out of
the 5 missed.
Washington held on to the lead they had built all throughout the 2nd period, leading by as many as 15 points. They led 50-41 at halftime. The third period was also dominated by the Mystics as they did not allow Phoenix
to build any sort of momentum or go on a run to threaten their lead. They maintained their lead throughout the third period after Phoenix came within 6 points. The Mystics led 69-60 at the end of the third period.
Phoenix scored the first four points of the final period to reduce the Mystics lead to 64-69, but Washington replied with a 6-0 run to extend their lead back to 75-64. They held on from there to secure a comfortable 90-77 victory.
Noelle Quinn came off the bench to score 18 points and 4 rebounds, going 7 of 17 from the field. Michelle Snow finished with 10 points and 9 rebounds for the Mystics. DeWanna Bonner had 20 points and 8 rebounds for the Mercury
while Samantha Prahalis finished with 20 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds while going 8 of 14 from the field.
Phoenix shot only 38% from the field as compared to 46.4% for the Mystics. They did, however, shoot much better from the foul line going 18 of 19 as compared to 22 of 31 by the Mystics. But Washington managed to go to the foul
line more often than Phoenix which helped them have a 4 point advantage in free throws. The Mystics also had a 38-30 advantage in rebounds and 20-12 advantage in assists.
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