Mercury Rising to 91 Degrees

That's the predicted high temperature in our nation's capital today. Ironically, 91 is also the scoring average of the Phoenix Mercury (well, 91.4 to be exact), who the Mystics face tonight at Verizon Center (tip-off at 7PM). The Mystics can't do anything about the heat outside, but let's hope they find a way to cool down the Mercury on the court.

Last season, the Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter-led high octane Merc scored 98 points in each of its two victories against the Mystics. But that was then, this is now.

Now the Mystics have a few more weapons, not to mention new Head Coach Julie Plank (the subject of a flattering profile by Mike Fratto in today's Washington Times, here), whose new emphasis on defense will be put to the test this evening. It should be an interesting not-to-be-missed match-up.

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Terps footnote . . . A little more here from Camille Powell of the Washington Post about A++ recruit Laurin Mincy who verbally committed this week to play for Maryland. How many players do you know who had their jerseys retired . . . in Elementary School?!!!