2016 WNBA season scores: Mystics end losing streak, boost playoff campaign


There is nothing better for teams vying for a playoff spot in the 2016 WNBA season than starting their post-Olympic break campaigns with a win. The Washington Mystics did that as they lit the scoreboard in the second half to destroy the Indiana Fever, 92-69 on Saturday.


The Mystics outscored the Fever 56-30 in the second half to snap a seven-game losing streak with the win. The team improved to 10-15 to tie the Seattle Storm for eighth-ninth. The Fever dropped to 12-13 in a tie with the Chicago Sky from fifth-sixth.

Down by three entering the second half, the Mystics went on a 9-0 run to take a 45-39 lead. The team was aggressive on defense, forcing stops and not allowing penetrations from the Fever. On offense, Washington kept attacking the basket while maintaining good space to take advantage of openings.

A three-pointer by Tayler Hill opened a double-digit advantage for the Mystics, 55-45, although the Fever stayed in the game. A Marissa Coleman buzzer beater pulled Indiana within 60-53 entering the fourth quarter. Later, she hit a three to make it just a 64-60 deficit.

However, the Mystics went on a 17-2 behind back to back outside shots by Hill to re-establish a double-digit cushion. Natasha Cloud added a three while Emma Meesseman and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt each scored as Washington led by 20, 84-64.

Five players finished in double-digits for the Mystics, led by Hill's 18 points including 4-for-8 from long range and four assists. The team shot 9-for-23 from deep, and 52.5 percent overall. The Fever, in contrast, shot only 38.9 percent from the field and 2-for-14 from three-point area.

Meesseman had 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, six rebounds, and three assists. Kahleah Copper also scored 17 points off the bench.

The game saw the Mystics play Leilani Mitchell. It is Mitchell's first game in the WNBA this season. She was signed following the announcement that Bria Hartley is pregnant. LaToya Sanders also returned to action for Washington after focusing on playing for Turkey in the last few months.

Erlana Larkins, Tamika Catchings, and Natalie Achonwa all scored 12 points for the Fever. Shenise Johnson added 10 points although she and Briann January were both saddled with foul trouble for most of the first half.

Last night's scores:

 Washington Mystics 92, Indiana Fever 69

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