Kiki Iriafen’s impressive performance with 21 points and 13 rebounds, along with Shakira Austin’s contribution of 11 points and 10 rebounds, led the Washington Mystics to a 93-82 victory over the undermanned Toronto Tempo on Wednesday night, marking the Mystics’ eighth consecutive win at home.
The defeat officially dashed the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season, with a record of 10-25. Washington dominated the boards, outrebounding Toronto 43-27, with Austin securing her 16th double-double of the season and Iriafen notching her 15th, shooting 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere put up 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers, while Sonia Citron contributed 13 points and six assists for Washington (21-14). The Mystics scored 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th straight game with over 40 points in the paint.
With Toronto’s top three scorers – Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally – sidelined for the second game of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led the Tempo with 19 points, and Aneesah Morrow added 13 points and eight rebounds as the expansion team suffered their 12th consecutive loss.
Washington started the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 37-24 lead as the Tempo missed their initial five shots. The Mystics continued their dominance, outscoring Toronto 22-9 in the second quarter to lead 47-33 at halftime.
Onyenwere’s back-to-back three-pointers extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 midway through the third quarter.
In the upcoming games, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will face Minnesota at home on the same day.