Kiki Iriafen contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin added 11 points and 10 rebounds to help the Washington Mystics secure a 93-82 victory against the short-handed Toronto Tempo on Wednesday evening, marking their eighth consecutive win at home.
The defeat officially ended the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season with a record of 10-25.
Austin recorded her 16th double-double of the season, and Iriafen notched her 15th, as Washington dominated the boards, outrebounding Toronto 43-27. Iriafen showcased an impressive shooting performance, going 8 of 12 from the field.
For Washington (21-14), Michaela Onyenwere posted 14 points, sinking four 3-pointers, while Sonia Citron contributed 13 points and six assists. The Mystics excelled in the paint, scoring 38 points, coming close to achieving their 12th consecutive game with 40 or more points in the paint.
Despite missing their top scorers Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally in the second game of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led the Tempo with 19 points, supported by Aneesah Morrow with 13 points and eight rebounds as Toronto suffered their 12th consecutive loss.
Washington took control in the second quarter with a 12-0 run, establishing a 37-24 lead as the Tempo struggled to find their shot. The Mystics continued to dominate, outscoring Toronto 22-9 in the second quarter to secure a 47-33 advantage at halftime.
Onyenwere extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 midway through the third quarter with consecutive three-pointers.
In upcoming games, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will face Minnesota at home on the same day.