Shay, Rattle & Roll! The Mystics hosted the New York Liberty Friday night, as Maryland's Shay Doron returned to the DC area for the first time since the end of her collegiate career. There was a very visible red-shirted Maryland presence in the Phone Booth -- including several of Shay's former Maryland teammates and almost the entire Terps' coaching staff. Unfortunately, Shay, who has been an under a little-utilized reserve guard for New York, did did not get to take the court except during warm-ups, as Liberty Coach Patty Coyle looked to others on her bench in what turned out to be a futile effort to stay ahead of the Mystics in the battle for the last playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

The Mystics played a nearly complete game! They led the Liberty for the entire first half, though they were rattled a bit when New York closed the gap and went ahead in the third period. But the Mystics hung tough, recaptured the lead, and rolled to victory, winning 80-68. Alana Beard had a phenomenal game, driving inside almost at will, and finishing with 24 points. Nakia Sanford, who some among the Mystics faithful were promoting for Most Improved Player, helped her cause by adding 16 points. It was an important win for the Mystics, and a tough loss for New York, as the teams traded places in the standings.

Next up for the Mystics: their other rival for the fourth playoff spot -- Chicago -- on Sunday.

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Pet Peeve: Prior to the game, fans were subjected to yet another desecration of the National Anthem, as this night's singer changed keys with nearly every note and twirled a number of them around. People all over the arena were cringing. The Anthem is the Anthem, it is not a performance piece, and it should be sung with respect. A recent letter to the editor published in the Washington Post complained about similar goings on with the Anthem at Nats games. Come on, team owners: stop giving us Anthem singers who think the start of games is an American Idol moment.

Photo Credit: DC BasketCases