Shakira Austin's clutch three-point play lifts Mystics past Aces 100-99

Washington — Shakira Austin scored 25 points and delivered the game-winning three-point play with 12.8 seconds remaining as the Washington Mystics rallied from a nine-point deficit to stun the Las Vegas Aces 100-99 on Wednesday night.

Austin grabbed an offensive rebound off Sonia Citron's missed driving layup, powered through contact and converted the putback while drawing the foul, then sank the free throw to complete the come-from-behind victory. Citron, who finished with 20 points, had scored four in the final minute to keep the Mystics within reach.

The Mystics (13-13) — the WNBA's lowest-scoring team at 79.6 points per game — exploded for their highest total of the season. Lauren Betts added 13 points off the bench, Kiki Iriafen recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and both Michaela Onyenwere and Georgia Amoore chipped in 10 points each.

Las Vegas (18-8) seemed in control with a 96-95 lead in the final minute after Jackie Young's jumper. A'ja Wilson then had a chance to ice the game at the free-throw line with 17 seconds left but missed one of two attempts, leaving the door open for Austin's heroics. Wilson finished with a game-high 38 points on 12-of-16 shooting and 12-of-13 from the line. Young contributed 24 points and Chelsea Gray added 19 for the Aces.

The Aces shot 55 percent from the field compared to Washington's 49 percent, but the Mystics dominated the boards 34-24, including a 12-4 advantage on offensive rebounds.

The Aces head into the All-Star break at 18-8, two games behind the league-leading Minnesota Lynx. The Mystics continue their six-game homestand against Connecticut on Tuesday.

Sources

• https://apnews.com/article/aces-mystics-score-e52417467cacdda120d4c2d0824b241a