UNCASVILLE, CT — Brittney Sykes poured in 27 points and rookie Kiki Iriafen notched a double-double as the Washington Mystics stormed back in the fourth quarter to upset the Connecticut Sun, 90-85, on Sunday afternoon.
Down 65-60 entering the final frame, Washington (2-0) exploded for 30 fourth-quarter points to erase Connecticut’s lead and secure the road win. Stefanie Dolson sparked the comeback with a deep 25-foot three-pointer at the 5:38 mark, giving the Mystics their first lead of the game at 75-74.
The lead changed hands briefly after Olivia Nelson-Ododa scored on a layup for Connecticut (0-1), but Sonia Citron immediately responded with an and-one to put the Mystics back on top — a lead they never relinquished.
With the Sun trailing 88-85 in the final seconds, Marina Mabrey misfired on a long three-pointer from 27 feet, and Citron sealed the win for Washington by calmly knocking down two free throws with just over two seconds remaining.
Connecticut came out hot, opening the game on a 14-2 run and shooting 6-of-11 to start. Nelson-Ododa scored six early points and finished with 18 overall. But the Sun couldn’t maintain that early dominance as the Mystics gradually clawed their way back into the game.
Sykes led all scorers and hit 11-of-13 from the free throw line. Iriafen was a force inside, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and pulling down 14 rebounds. Citron and Jade Melbourne each added 15 points off the bench, providing key support in Washington’s balanced attack.
For Connecticut, veteran Tina Charles delivered 23 points and 10 boards, while Mabrey, Jaciee Sheldon, and Bria Hartley all chipped in 11 points apiece.
The Sun will look to bounce back in their next outing, while the Mystics remain undefeated with a strong early-season statement win.
