The Mystics continued their hot start Wednesday night with by taking one from the defending champions. The second quarter again proved to be the difference, when they outscored Detroit 25-6. The Shock outscored the Mystics in the second half, but they were able to hang on in fourth quarter.
Balanced scoring was again the key. Alana Beard had 15, Crystal Langhorne had 14, Marissa Coleman had 13 and Matee Ajavon had 12.
SEE RELATED:
“I think we are 9-10 players deep,” coach Julie Plank said. “We can play a lot of people against any team it doesn’t matter who they have. I think our depth is a lot better than the teams in this league and that’s something I can be proud of.”
The Mystics played Detroit at the right time. The Shock’s depth has been ravaged by injury and suspension and they are still adjusting to playing short-handed. But that doesn’t mean anything in the standings, or to the Mystics who won in Detroit for the first time since 2005.
“That didn’t really cross our minds,” Beard said. “Detroit is a great team, of course. They’re the champions. As far as taking advantage, they’re a great team. You can’t really take advantage of Detroit, you just have to come out and play.”
- Mike Fratto
