2LT National News

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Sonia Citron poured in 24 points and fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen posted 18 points and 10 rebounds as the host Washington Mystics defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 95-86 on Sunday afternoon.

Washington’s Shakira Austin, who had been out of game action for more than a week because of left-leg soreness, finished with 14 points in 18 minutes and Jade Melbourne notched 11 points. The Mystics (16-18), who shot 59.3 percent from the floor, have won three of their last four games.

Citron went 5-for-6 on 3-pointers, racking up nearly half of the team’s 11 makes from 3-point range.

Dearica Hamby scored 12 points in a stretch of less than five minutes in the third quarter on her way to 26 points and seven assists for the Sparks (16-18). Kelsey Plum connected on 10 of 15 shots as part of a 25-point effort, Rickea Jackson had 17 points and reserve Rae Burrell added 10 points.

The Mystics had good ball movement, picking up assists on 30 of their 35 baskets. Sug Sutton had a team-high seven assists.

Washington held a 67-54 lead after Lucy Olsen’s jumper midway through the third quarter. Citron drained two 3-pointers in the final minute of the third quarter as the Mystics held a 77-65 edge going to the fourth.

After the Sparks closed within 87-81, Citron recorded the next five points with a three and a jumper to thwart that threat.

The Mystics overpowered the Sparks at times on the boards, finishing with a 35-15 rebounding advantage.

Washington built a 53-41 lead by halftime, sparked by a 10-3 run in the middle stages of the second quarter.

The Mystics shot 60 percent (18-for-30) in the first half. That included 7-for-13 on 3-point attempts, with six different players hitting from long range.

Washington snapped a two-game home losing skid while avenging a pair of losses in a home-and-home set with Los Angeles last month.

-Field Level Media