Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Mystics lost to the Las Vegas Aces 91-81 on Saturday afternoon at CareFirst Arena.
After starting strong with a 23-8 lead, the Aces turned the tide in the second quarter, outscoring the Mystics in the remaining three periods. This loss resulted in both teams splitting the season series 2-2.
Washington began with all five starters scoring before the first quarter’s midpoint, leading to a 15-6 run. Kiki Iriafen had an immediate impact with four points and four rebounds. Her early boards pushed her past Candace Parker in rookie rebounding records. Despite an Aces timeout, the Mystics held a 23-8 lead before Las Vegas responded with an 11-3 run, ending the first quarter at 26-19, led by Iriafen’s nine points and five rebounds.
Las Vegas took charge in the second quarter with a 25-13 score, with Dana Evans’ three-pointers closing the gap. They used a 7-2 run to grab their first lead at 37-32, but Washington countered by tying the game. In the final two minutes, A’ja Wilson scored crucial points that led the Aces ahead 44-39 by halftime, with Wilson scoring 17 points and Iriafen and Austin combining for 22.
Citron kicked off the second half strong for Washington, but Las Vegas built their lead to 53-47. Iriafen achieved her 10th rebound, marking her 14th double-double of the season. After a tie at 53, Evans quickly scored eight points for a six-point lead for the Aces. Heading into the final quarter, Washington trailed 68-61 after an intense exchange of baskets.
The Aces solidified their lead early in the fourth with a 6-0 run, pushing it to 74-61. Wilson and Evans combined for 15 points, ensuring their control. Washington couldn’t close the gap, leading to a 91-81 victory for Las Vegas, extending their winning streak to 10 games. Three Mystics scored in double digits: Citron (13), Austin (18), and Iriafen (21), who also achieved a career-high of 15 rebounds in a standout rookie performance.
Play of the Game
Game Notes
Kiki Iriafen led the Mystics with 21 points and 15 rebounds, marking the second rookie in team history to achieve a 20-point, 15-rebound game. Shakira Austin added 18 points, while Sonia Citron scored 13 points with four three-pointers, tying for fourth-most double-digit scoring games by a rookie in league history. Emily Engstler had eight points off the bench, and Jade Melbourne hit a career milestone of 500 points.
Looking Ahead
Washington will continue its weekend series at home against the Seattle Storm, scheduled for a 3 PM ET tip-off.
