Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin led the Washington Mystics to a 93-82 victory over the short-handed Toronto Tempo on Wednesday night, extending the Mystics’ home winning streak to eight games. Iriafen contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Austin added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The defeat officially ended the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season, with a record of 10-25. Washington dominated the rebounding battle, outboarding Toronto 43-27, thanks to Austin’s 16th double-double and Iriafen’s 15th of the season. Iriafen was efficient, shooting 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere made an impact for the Mystics with 14 points and four 3-pointers, while Sonia Citron chipped in with 13 points and six assists. The Mystics scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with 40 points or more.
Despite missing their top scorers, the Tempo were led by Kiki Rice with 19 points and Aneesah Morrow with 13 points and eight rebounds as they suffered their 12th consecutive defeat. The Tempo trio of Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally sat out the game.
Washington took control early in the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 47-33 lead at halftime after outscoring Toronto 22-9 in the period. Onyenwere extended the lead to 60-42 in the third quarter with back-to-back three-pointers.
Up next, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will face Minnesota at home on the same day.
