Austin’s 25 points and 13 rebounds lead Mystics past Sun, 79–69

Shakira Austin finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds and four steals as the Washington Mystics defeated the Connecticut Sun 79–69 on Tuesday at CareFirst Arena.

Austin made seven of 14 shots from the field and 11 of 15 free throws. Cotie McMahon added 13 points off the bench, while Sonia Citron scored 12 and made all six of her free throws.

Washington committed six turnovers to Connecticut’s 18 and held a 28–2 advantage in points off turnovers. The Mystics also made 19 of 25 free throws, compared with eight of 12 for the Sun.

Washington led 23–16 after the first quarter. Connecticut narrowed the margin to 44–42 by halftime, but the Mystics outscored the Sun 22–16 in the third quarter to take a 66–58 lead into the fourth.

Lauren Betts contributed seven points, seven rebounds and four blocks for Washington. Citron and Georgia Amoore each recorded three assists.

Diamond Miller led Connecticut with 19 points. Raegan Beers and Leila Lacan added 11 apiece, and Aaliyah Edwards collected 13 rebounds. The Sun won the rebounding matchup 43–34 but finished with 12 more turnovers than Washington.