Kiki Iriafen recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Washington Mystics secured their eighth consecutive home win by defeating the undermanned Toronto Tempo 93-82 on Wednesday evening. The defeat officially dashed the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season with a 10-25 record.
Austin achieved her 16th double-double of the season, and Iriafen marked her 15th as Washington dominated the boards with a 43-27 rebounding advantage over Toronto. Iriafen was efficient, shooting 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere provided 14 points, including four 3-pointers, for Washington (21-14), while Sonia Citron contributed 13 points and six assists. The Mystics scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with over 40 points inside.
In the absence of Toronto’s top scorers Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally in the second game of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led the Tempo with 19 points. Aneesah Morrow added 13 points and eight rebounds as the expansion team suffered their 12th consecutive loss.
Washington opened the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 37-24 lead as Toronto struggled to find their shooting touch. The Mystics dominated the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 22-9 to enter 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.
Up next, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.
