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Mystics at Storm final score: After squandering a big lead, Washington hangs on for 84-82 OT victory

The Mystics allowed a 16 point lead to evaporate in the second half, but big games from Emma Meesseman and Tayler Hill gave them their first win in Seattle in over a decade.

By L.W.
Stewart W. Small
Stewart W. Small

For three quarters it looked like the Mystics would cruise to a comfortable victory. Though both teams are stacked with youth, the Mystics had all the poise to start off the game, moving the ball well and attacking on offense and playing energetic defense. They lead by 7 points at the half and as many as 16 in the third quarter, but an utter offensive collapse in the fourth let the Storm right back into the game. Seattle collapsed heavily into the paint, bothering the Mystics into turnovers and offensive fouls.On the other end, defensive breakdowns lead to corner threes and layups for the Storm.

The Mystics ultimately prevailed in overtime, thanks to clutch threes and free throw shooting from Tayler Hill and Ivory Latta. The 84-82 victory was the Mystics first win in Seattle in over a decade. The Storm's heralded rookie, Breanna Stewart, lead all scorers with 25 points.

Game Notes

Tayler Hill and Emma Meeseman lead the way on offense

Hill continues to be the Mystics' most reliable attacker off the dribble. Though she only shot 5-13 from the floor, she was 6-6 from the line for a total of 18 points. Meesseman continues to round back into All Star form, scoring 19 points on 9-15 shooting, and filling the box score with a game high 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

The return of Ivory Latta

Latta played her first game of the season, and she came out firing on all cylinders. She scored 16 points in 21 minutes, including a clutch three to give the Mystics a four-point cushion with 44 seconds left in overtime. Regardless of whether Latta returns to her starting role, her shooting and leadership were both sorely missed by the Mystics.

Turnovers

The Mystics propensity to turn the ball over is likely driving coach Mike Thibault crazy, and tonight was no exception. They turned the ball over 20 times, with virtually every player "contributing." Those turnovers turned into 23 Storm points, and kept them afloat when the Mystics should have been putting the game away in regulation.