Tempo eliminated from WNBA playoffs after loss to Mystics

The Toronto Tempo were officially eliminated from WNBA playoff contention Wednesday after losing 93-82 to the Washington Mystics. The defeat extended Toronto’s losing streak to 12 games and dropped the expansion team to 10-25.

The Tempo entered the game without four starters: Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Nyara Sabally and Maria Conde. Sykes was sitting out after returning from a two-month absence caused by a foot injury the previous night, while Mabrey was dealing with a new hamstring issue and Sabally and Conde remained out with calf injuries. The short-handed Toronto also played without its top three scorers from the lineup, leaving rookie guard Kiki Rice to carry much of the offensive load.

Rice matched her career high with 19 points, scoring 10 in the third quarter. She also added two assists and kept the Tempo within striking distance with driving layups and step-back 3-pointers. Aneesah Morrow contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Laura Juskaite scored Toronto’s first two baskets and Julie Allemand added a 3-pointer.

Washington took control with a 13-0 run after Rice had tied the game late in the first quarter. The Mystics then opened the second period with a 12-0 surge, taking a 37-24 advantage as the Tempo missed their first five shots. Toronto scored only nine points in the second quarter, a franchise low for a single period, and trailed 47-33 at halftime.

Washington’s interior attack proved game-changing. Kiki Iriafen produced 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Shakira Austin finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Iriafen and Austin both recorded double-doubles, and the Mystics finished with a 43-27 rebounding advantage. Washington also boasted 23-7 edge in second-chance points and scored 38 points in the paint.

Michaela Onyenwere added 14 points and four 3-pointers, while Sonia Citron had 13 points and six assists for the Mystics, which improved to 21-14 with their eighth consecutive home win.

The Tempo will next host the Portland Fire Friday.

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