Washington Mystics guard Alana Beard led the charge from the opening tip as she recorded 13 points in the first quarter, a career best, by making six of seven field goal attempts and helping the Mystics get off to a 22-7 advantage to start the game. Photo by John E DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo EditorGuard Alana Beard led the Mystics in scoring with 26 points.
“You don't expect teams to stay down. You have to expect them to come back. Fortunately, we did a good job of maintaining when they went on that run. In the huddle, it was just all about defense for this team. We've had games where we could have closed things out and couldn't find a way to. I thought the team did a great job of staying focused,†Beard said.
Mystics held Candace Parker, the league's reigning MVP and 2008 rookie of the year, to just two points and four rebounds. Photo by John E DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor
Washington Mystics point guard Lindsey Harding hit a quick jump shot and then center Chasity Melvin scored two baskets to give the Mystics a six-point lead with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Photo by John E DeFreitas - WI Sports Photo Editor