WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Dallas Wings couldn’t hold a 20-point second-half lead Wednesday night, falling 96-92 to the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena.
Washington closed the game on a 40-16 run over the final 13 minutes to improve to 17-12 and win the regular-season series. Dallas dropped to 19-12.
Jessica Shepard led the Wings with a career-high-tying 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists for her 20th double-double of the season. Alanna Smith added 21 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Paige Bueckers scored 17 points and Arike Ogunbowale finished with 15.
Both teams shot 50% from the field, but Washington dominated the paint (48-36) and received a 24-8 advantage from its bench. Shakira Austin paced the Mystics with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Cotie McMahon scored a career-high 18 points off the bench.
Dallas returns home Friday to host the Golden State Valkyries at American Airlines Center.
