Mystics pull away late

Though the game started out close, the Mystics rode a 15-2 run in the second quarter all the way to win 74-59 in New York against the Liberty, placing them back atop the Eastern Conference in a tie with the Connecticut Sun.

Tied at the beginning of the second quarter 12-12, the Liberty jumped out with a quick five points that prompted Washington coach Mike Thibault to call for timeout. But the Mystics came out of that timeout ready to play, outscoring New York 23-12 for the rest of the quarter.

Mystics guards Taylor Hill and Ivory Latta combined for 16 points in that second quarter, which helped the Washington end the half with a 35-29 lead. That six point lead would eventually grow to fifteen in the third, before the Liberty fought back to start the fourth only down 9.

But after Brittany Boyd scored five straight points to open the final quarter for the Liberty, Washington regained control. Highlighted by a pair of threes on consecutive possessions by Kara Lawson, the Mystics went on a 15-2 run, closing out the game.

Lawson would end with 13 points, and Stefanie Dolson chipped in with 15, including her first three-pointer of the season. Dolson would also end the game with six rebounds, three assists, a steal, and three blocks. Latta scored 20 points in the contest, and she was instrumental during both of the team's lead-establishing runs.

The Mystics defense again proved stout, holding the Liberty to 59 points on 31% shooting while also amassing 13 steals. The league's number one defense in points allowed will have a tough task ahead when they play the Tulsa Shock on Friday, the league's third-highest scoring team. But for now, the Mystics can enjoy being back on top with their second win against the Liberty this year.