Kiki Iriafen contributed 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin added 11 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Washington Mystics to a 93-82 victory over the undermanned Toronto Tempo on Wednesday night. This win marked the Mystics’ eighth consecutive triumph at home.
The defeat officially dashed the Tempo’s playoff hopes in their debut season, with a record of 10-25. Austin achieved her 16th double-double of the season, and Iriafen recorded her 15th, showcasing Washington’s dominance on the boards with a 43-27 rebounding advantage over Toronto. Iriafen showcased an efficient shooting performance, going 8 of 12 from the field.
Michaela Onyenwere contributed 14 points, including four 3-pointers for Washington (21-14). Sonia Citron chipped in with 13 points and six assists. The Mystics tallied 38 points in the paint, narrowly missing their 12th consecutive game with 40 points or more.
In the absence of the Tempo’s top three scorers — Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Nyara Sabally — resting for the second game of a back-to-back, Kiki Rice led Toronto with 19 points. Aneesah Morrow added 13 points and eight rebounds as the expansion team 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 rhythm, missing their initial five shots. The Mystics continued their dominance in the second quarter, outscoring Toronto 22-9 to lead 47-33 at halftime.
Onyenwere’s back-to-back three-pointers extended Washington’s lead to 60-42 halfway through the third quarter.
Up next, the Tempo will host Portland on Friday, while the Mystics will remain at home to face Minnesota on the same day.