A reconfigured Washington Mystics organization shocked the WNBA Saturday, scoring an 82-70 upset win at the Connecticut Sun. The Mystics largely dominated past the few first minutes, opening up a 45-28 early third quarter lead before subsequent Sun play narrowed the deficit. Washington's lead was never in serious jeopardy though for the remainder of the game.
Maryland alum Marissa Coleman came off the bench to lead the Mystics in scoring, hitting for 16 points including three straight three-point shots in the early second quarter to open her professional career. Coleman finished with four three-pointers on the day. Monique Currie scored 14 points, Lindsey Harding 12 and Nakia Sanford 11 for Washington.
The win was the first professional victory for ex-Minnesota assistant Julie Plank as the Mystics' new head coach and Angela Taylor as the team general manager. The pair assembled a squad this offseason largely around former Duke and Maryland collegians.
Off their opening game triumph, the Mystics returned home quickly from Connecticut to face a second year Atlanta Dream franchise in the Verizon Center opener. Start time Sunday is again set for 4 p.m.
______________________Labels: sports, washington mystics, women's pro basketball
