Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
After scoring just 12 points in the first quarter tonight against the Valkyries, the Mystics behind a 13 point 13 scoring effort from Sonia Citron late in the fourth quarter came oh so close to pulling off an improbable comeback, but fell 5 short in the end, 88-83.
The Valkyries who are making a push for the playoffs holding the 7th place spot currently definitely played like a playoff bound team with Veronica Burton hitting six 3-pointers finishing with 30 points, both which are career high. Cecilia Zandalasini also made six 3s and finished with 20 points, and the Golden State Valkyries beat with late defense and that huge first half lead.
The expansion Valkyries set franchise records for 3-pointers (15) and 3-point percentage (46.7%).
Tonight marked the first time back home for the Mystics post trade and the first chance to see the new additions to the squad in Jacy Sheldon and Alysha Clark. Sheldon had two big buckets late in the third quarter that was part of a run that cut the Valkyries to 8 points.
One of the biggest differences we can see is that the Mystics seem to miss the presence of Brittany Sykes and her ability to push the ball. This was something the Mystics struggled for most of the first half and even seemed that there was no chance they would even make this game close.
Coming out of the locker room in the second half it appeared to be a totally different Mystics team that was able to capitalize on the Valkyries miscues, but they faded again late in the 3rd when they went over 2 minutes without a basket. The Mystics trailed 70-52 at the end of the quarter and again it looked as if they could easily fold.
The Mystics had one last dash behind Citron, when she converted a three-point play and hit a 3-pointer before she found Sug Sutton for a 3 that capped the spurt with 53.8 seconds to play.
Hayes made two free throws with 15.4 seconds remaining to give the Valkyries all they needed to end the night for the Mystics.
The Mystics have a tough couple games coming up with the Fever on the road on Friday and back at home Sunday against Los Angeles. These two games are pivotial in whether they pick up any ground and staying alive for the the post season. Right now they sit 2 games out of the final 8th spot.
