Kiki Iriafen led the Washington Mystics to victory with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds as they defeated the undermanned Toronto Tempo 93-82 on Wednesday evening, securing their eighth consecutive win at home.
The defeat officially ended the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their first season with a record of 10-25. Austin achieved her 16th double-double of the season, and Iriafen recorded her 15th, helping Washington dominate the boards with a 43-27 rebounding advantage. Iriafen had an impressive 8 of 12 shooting from the field.
In addition to Iriafen and Austin’s standout performances, Michaela Onyenwere scored 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers for Washington (21-14). Sonia Citron contributed 13 points and six assists to the victory. The Mystics scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with 40 or more points inside.
With Toronto missing their top three 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 defeat.
Washington took control in the second quarter, starting with a 12-0 run to establish a 37-24 lead as Toronto struggled to find their shooting touch. The Mystics continued their dominance, outscoring the Tempo 22-9 in the second quarter to head into halftime with a 47-33 advantage.
Onyenwere’s consecutive three-pointers extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 midway through the third quarter, solidifying their control of the game.
In the upcoming games, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.