Story By: Erin Zollars
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
It has been an interesting season for the Mystics to say the least. The last few weeks have been nothing short of a rollercoaster for the team looking to stay alive and claim that last playoff spot.
With time running out and just 10 games left in the season, the Mystics got a much needed 83-76 victory over the Chicago Sky today at Entertainment Sports Arena, keeping their hopes alive for the post season.
One big addition to that push was the return of Shakira Austin to the line-up today Her on court presence has been missed while out the last few weeks. She, along with other players like Elena Delle Donne and Kristi Tolliver have missed extended time and it has forced the Mystics to go with a line-up of uncertainty each week. Today, Austin was just happy to be back in the line-up.
“I try not to get too excited,” said Austin, who had four points and four rebounds in 14 minutes in her return from a hip strain. “Probably had a lot more nerves than normal going into any game. A little bit of anxious feelings, but once the crowd started yelling for me — they really love me. I really felt the love, and I felt like it was time for me to be back out.”
One constant over the past few weeks has been Brittany Sykes, who again today carried the Mystics as she has done for the past four or five games. Without Sykes, it is very unlikely that we are even talking about the Mystics making any kind of run for the post season.
Sykes scored a season-high 30 points to go with six assists, four rebounds and five steals. She has been unstoppable to the rim at times rim and again scored at will after halftime, pouring in 13 points in the third quarter.
Queen Egbo added 16 points off the bench, and Tianna Hawkins had 13 points and six rebounds.
