75% is Still a Failing Grade.

At half-time tonight in Chicago, the Mystics had a 3 point lead and only 6 turnovers. At the end of 3 periods, they were still up by 2. But in a turnover-ridden 4th period, the Mystics allowed the Sky to score the first 13 points of the quarter, and were outscored in the final 10 minutes 28-7. Ouch! Not only that, but the Mystics finished with 20 turnovers. 14 in the second half! Aaargh! Final score, Chicago wins 78-59.

If we didn't know any better, we'd think the team was tanking for Toliver playing for ping pong balls instead of the victory. But we do know better, and we know that isn't what happened. We believe they were trying. They just don't seem to be able to take care of the basketball. So while they may get a passing grade for effort, tonight the Mystics earn an "F" for once again Failing to play a complete game.

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Terps/Monarchs trivia . . . Although the Mystics' and Crystal Langhorne's season will end on Sunday, the good news for Crystal's former Terrapin teammate Laura Harper is that with a win over Seattle Tuesday night, the Monarchs are once again headed to the playoffs! Ten years ago, when the Mystics were in the middle of their 3-27 inaugural season, the BasketCases met up (in Alaska!) with a couple of Sacramento fans, who were suffering through a discouraging 8-22 season of their own; they told us "we feel your pain." Ever since then, we've felt a special connection to the Monarchs. Over the years, with the addition of local DC-area (and BasketCases') favorites Kara Lawson, Becky Brunson and this year Laura Harper, Sacramento has cemented its position as our favorite team in the Western Conference. It was fun to follow the Monarchs franchise as they turned things around from that 1998 season to win the WNBA Championship in 2005. And now the team heads into post-season play for the sixth consecutive year . Congratulations to Laura, Kara, Becky and their teammates, and to all the Monarchs' fans!