Connecticut fights to stay within reach as Washington takes a late lead in a matchup that carries plenty of meaning for both teams.
The Connecticut Sun closed out their road schedule against the Washington Mystics last night, have faced a Washington team fighting to strengthen its position near the top of the Eastern Conference.
The Mystics entered Tuesday night at 26-16, while Connecticut came in at 10-32 and looked to snap a five-game losing streak. The matchup is the fourth and final meeting between the teams this season.
The Mystics carried a 23-16 lead after the opening period, but Connecticut answered in the second. The Sun outscored Washington 26-21 in the quarter, trimming the deficit and keeping themselves within striking distance heading into halftime.
That response was important for a Connecticut team that has endured a difficult stretch late in the season. Rather than allowing Washington to take complete control, the Sun found enough offense to make it a competitive game.
Washington rebuilt its advantage in the third quarter, entering the fourth with a 66-58 lead. Connecticut continued to push, however, refusing to let the game slip completely out of reach.
Shakira Austin has been a major factor for Washington, leading the Mystics with 18 points and nine rebounds. Sonia Citron has added 12 points.
For Connecticut, Diamond Miller has provided 17 points, while Aaliyah Edwards has been active on the glass with 12 rebounds. Raegan Beers has contributed 11 points and five rebounds, giving the Sun a strong presence inside. Leïla Lacan has also added 11 points and three assists.
Connecticut’s biggest challenge has been maintaining consistent offense while limiting turnovers. The Sun are shooting 43 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. Washington is shooting 39 percent overall and 35 percent from beyond the arc.
The turnover battle has favored Washington significantly, with the Mystics committing just four turnovers compared with 16 for Connecticut.
Still, the Sun have continued to fight.
With roughly eight minutes remaining, Connecticut remained within six points at 66-60, giving the visitors an opportunity to make the closing minutes uncomfortable for Washington.
Last night’s game also carries significance for the Mystics. Washington entered the matchup seeking its 27th victory of the season, which would establish a new franchise record for regular-season wins. The previous record of 26 victories matched the total from Washington’s 2019 championship season.
For Connecticut, this final road game provides another opportunity for a young group to compete against one of the Eastern Conference’s stronger teams. The Sun have faced adversity throughout the season, but performances from players such as Miller, Edwards, Beers and Lacan offer plenty for Connecticut fans to watch as the season moves toward its conclusion.
As the final minutes approached, the Sun remained within striking distance. Washington controlled much of the game, but Connecticut’s second-quarter response and continued work on the boards kept the door open.
Washington pulled out the win with a score of 79-69. Shakira Austin had 25 points along with 13 rebounds. Diamond Miller led Connecticut with 19 points. Connecticut’s last-ever game is in Toronto on Thursday night. They will look to finish their Sunset Season with one last win.
