Shock Offense Dries Up Late In Road Loss to Washington

NewsOn6.com

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Tulsa notched its first win of the season eight days prior against Washington, but a dismal third quarter ensured it would not be a repeat performance as the Mystics topped the Shock 83-63.

Thanks to a 17-point second half, Tulsa went into the half trailing by just six points, but the shots stopped falling for the Shock. Washington opened up the second half on a 16-8 run, including eight from Crystal Langhorne, to take a 57-43 lead halfway through the quarter.

The Mystics finished the quarter outscoring Tulsa 20-10, with a healthy 61-45 lead. Tulsa never threatened in the fourth quarter, and a two-minute scoreless run essentially closed the door on a Shock comeback.

Overall, rebounding proved to be the difference for Washington, out rebounding Tulsa 43-29 – including a 31-18 disparity on the defensive boards.

Langhorne led all scorers with 23 points, despite turning the ball over 11 times, while Matee Ajavon contributed 21 points, six assists and five rebounds in the win. Two Mystics' players turned in double-doubles, with Marissa Coleman scoring 13 and grabbing 12 board and Micky Anosike adding 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Only two Shock players cracked double-digits, No. 1 pick Liz Cambage scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds, with veteran Sheryl Swoopes notching 11 points and four boards.

The Shock will face a tough test in their next matchup, a Thursday-night game against the second-place Minnesota Lynx at the BOK Center.