Kiki Iriafen posted 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Washington Mystics secured their eighth consecutive home win by defeating the undermanned Toronto Tempo 93-82 on Wednesday night. The loss officially ended the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their first season.
Austin recorded her 16th double-double of the season, with Iriafen achieving her 15th, as Washington dominated the boards with a 43-27 rebounding advantage over Toronto. Iriafen shot an efficient 8 of 12 from the field.
In addition, Michaela Onyenwere scored 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers for Washington (21-14), while Sonia Citron contributed 13 points and six assists. The Mystics tallied 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with over 40 points in the paint.
Facing the absence of their top three scorers — Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally — in the second game of a back-to-back, Toronto was led by Kiki Rice with 19 points, supported by Aneesah Morrow with 13 points and eight rebounds as the expansion Tempo suffered their 12th straight loss.
Washington initiated the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 37-24 lead as Toronto missed their first five shots. The Mystics continued their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 22-9 for a 47-33 advantage at halftime.
Onyenwere’s consecutive three-pointers extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 midway through the third quarter.
Up next, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.
