Kiki Iriafen delivered a commanding performance as the Washington Mystics secured a decisive 79-62 victory on the road against the Toronto Tempo in their recent matchup. Iriafen’s impressive double-double, featuring 25 points and 14 rebounds, proved pivotal in breaking open a competitive contest, particularly with 13 points scored in the second half when the game was still tightly contested.
Complementing Iriafen’s dominance, teammate Shakira Austin contributed a strong inside presence, registering 17 points and 10 rebounds. Together, they spearheaded the Mystics’ control on the glass, out-rebounding Toronto 46-26. This advantage translated into 20 second-chance points for Washington, while limiting the Tempo to only three, a crucial factor in the outcome.
Julie Allemand Leads Despite Toronto’s Injury Challenges
Despite the loss, the Tempo found some resistance through guard Julie Allemand, who led Toronto with 15 points along with five rebounds. Off the bench, Nyara Sabally provided an additional 13 points, offering valuable scoring support. However, the Tempo’s depleted lineup, affected by injuries to key players Brittney Sykes, Kiki Rice, and Temi Fagbenle, struggled to muster sufficient firepower to stay competitive throughout the contest.
Allemand acknowledged the impact of these absences, noting the team’s difficulty in fielding a full roster this season. “We miss them on the court, and we can’t wait for them to be back because, I think since the beginning of the season, I’m wondering if we had one game with the full roster,” she remarked. She also emphasized the need for improved ball protection and team defense when facing physical opponents like the Mystics.