Kiki Iriafen recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Washington Mystics triumphed over the undermanned Toronto Tempo with a score of 93-82 in their recent home game, marking their eighth consecutive win on home court.
The defeat officially dashed the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season with a record of 10-25. Austin achieved her 16th double-double of the season, and Iriafen secured her 15th, as Washington dominated the boards, outrebounding Toronto 43-27, with Iriafen shooting 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere put up 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers for Washington (21-14), with Sonia Citron contributing 13 points and six assists. The Mystics scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with over 40 points.
Facing the absence of their top three scorers — Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally — in the second leg of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led Toronto with 19 points, while Aneesah Morrow added 13 points and eight rebounds for the expansion team, which suffered their 12th straight defeat.
Washington surged in the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 37-24 lead as Toronto missed their initial five shots. The Mystics continued their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 22-9 to head into halftime with a 47-33 advantage.
Onyenwere’s consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 midway through the period.
In upcoming games, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.