Back on Track!
After two road games this weekend in which the Mystics suffered some significant lapses (which led to two costly losses against Eastern Conference opponents), the Mystics got back on track tonight at the Phone Booth, turning the tables on one of those opponents, the Connecticut Sun. In a game that was exciting from start to finish, the Mystics took a slim 3-point lead into the locker room at the half (37-34), but thanks to a 21-6 run to open the second half, they stretched that lead to 20 points (70-50) by the end of the third period. The Sun never recovered from their lapse, and the Mystics got a critical must-win, 84-74.
Lang (again) led all scorers with 23 points (and recorded yet another double-double, pulling down 10 boards). Mo added 17 points, Katie finished with 12, and Chas rounded out the Mystics' double-figure scoring with 10 (and that's not counting the 2 points she scored for the Sun on a tap-in going for a rebound).
And though she fell a couple points shy of double figures, rookie Jacinta Monroe made her first appearance at home (she played in 2 games on the road) since missing 15 games due to her hand injury and put on quite an impressive show. In only 8 minutes off the bench, Jacinta was perfect from the floor (3 of 3, including two beautiful reverse layups and a long 2-point jumper) and perfect from the free throw line (2 of 2). She showed remarkable poise for a rookie, particularly one who's missed so much of the season. Her performance was rewarded with a huge ovation from the crowd as she was subbed out of the game . . . and that, we can assure you, brought a big smile to the rookie's face. It's great to see Jacinta back in action, and playing so well!
Tonight's win was sooooo important to the Mystics' playoff hopes. Not only did they improve to 17-12 on the season but, most important, they opened up a 3-game lead over the Sun for the 4th and final playoff spot in the East (with 5 games left to play). But they're not guaranteed a spot yet and the playoff picture remains tight in the East. The Mystics are only a half game behind New York and Atlanta and 2 games behind the Conference-leading Fever. It's going to be a heck of finish to the regular season. Every game counts!
And that includes the next game for the Mystics: Friday night (7 PM) in the Phone Booth against Minnesota. The Lynx (who beat San Antonio this evening on the road) are in their own playoff race in the West. Another big game . . . for both teams.
Go Mystics . . . Beat the Lynx!
posted by BasketCases @ 10:53 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
What a well played game by both teams: great defense, shot making, and free throw shooting.
And our Mystics came out on top!
The third quarter was a thing of beauty for the Styx - the best they've played all year IMO, against a very tough opponent.
I do wish this team would not try to sit on a lead the way they did in the fourth quarter. Though the game wasn't in doubt, it was a slightly dispiriting way to end the game.
But all in all, a great game and a great win. Now please, beloved team, don't let down for the Lynx. They're playing good ball and need to win. Beat Minny on Friday!!!
Can't wait to watch the game tomorrow when get home! Go mystics!
I was thinking that maybe they didn't play as hard the latter part of the 4th was so they could be more rested for Friday. But either way, they could definitely have won by more than 10.
More bogus fouls, but the refs seemed to distribute them evenly (except I think in the 3rd when the sun were being called left & right).
Great game for Lang, Monroe, loved that Marissa started to create her own offense, Melvin (slow start but the points came when we needed them). Where was Houts? 20 point lead, let the rookie play.
Who was that player wearing the Mystics #44 jersey?
Let's give Chas some love! After the first quarter bobbles, she had some nice moves, used the glass while making her shots, played good D on TCharles poking some passes away w/o being called for fouls.
I think Chas had some Red Bull at the half. We thought Crystal looked a bit slow and gimpy in the beginning of the game, then boom-she finishs with 23. She is amazing. Loved Lindsey's defense-she really moves her feet and stays in front of her player. Course Montgomery did have a really sick crossover, but LH came right back at her. Loved it!!
Keep working ladies!!
Great game last night! nice little song by ab, kia and matee on the jumbotron too!
on another note..anyone know any backstory on jackie (MD)?
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/basketball/womens/bal-digest0811,0,169361.story
OK, is it just me or does it seem that we go as Harding goes? She needs to step it up down the stretch if we want to continue the run.
The one thing I will continue to give credit to for to coach Plank and her staff is how we never give up - win or lose. I thought last night's fourth quarter was fine to let up the gas a little. The lead never got in single digits so that was fine.
newspaper reports state she will transfer to a school closer to home (oregon)
her dad, greg, was recently hired as asst. coach at U Washington WBBall. Who knows?
Susan a.k.a. "basketball head"
If anyone noticed the Mystics came out real late after the half. I wondered that maybe the coaches kicked some a** at half time cause clearly Melvin had a much better half. That first half was a disaster for her!!!!!
Way to go Mystics!! Nice job by everyone. I was very impressed with the way Monroe played. She looked very confident out there. I agree with the previous comment about Houts. Let her play. She needs the experience.
Lindsey and Katie need to rest as much as possible for our playoff run.
So Nared is leaving umd?
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