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Mystics beat Sun to clinch playoff spot

Aug 16, 2014 - 1:24 AM Uncasville, CT (SportsNetwork.com) - Ivory Latta and Emma Meesseman each scored 16 points, and the Washington Mystics clinched a playoff spot with a 71-67 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night.

Monique Currie tallied 10 points and nine rebounds for the Mystics, who lost at Connecticut in double overtime on Sunday. Currie, who made all eight of her foul shots, went 6-of-6 over the final 1:39 to secure the victory.

Bria Hartley had 13 points for Washington, which eliminated New York from playoff contention.

Alex Bentley had 16 points and Alyssa Thomas scored 15 for Connecticut, which has dropped eight of its last 10 games. Chiney Ogwumike chipped in 13 points and eight boards.

Washington was up by as many as 10 in the second quarter and held a 34-30 edge at the half. The Sun led by as many as three in the third, but trailed 51-49 going to the fourth thanks to Latta's layup in the final seconds.

Kia Vaughn's layup gave the Mystics the lead for good at 59-57 with 4:40 left. Meesseman's layup at the 3:51 mark represented Washington's final field goal. The visitors made all 10 of their attempts from the charity stripe down the stretch.

The Sun helped the cause when Thomas stepped out of bounds trying to receive a pass in the left corner with 16.5 seconds left. Currie then made two foul shots for a 71-66 difference to cement the outcome.

The Mystics conclude the regular season Saturday at home against the Liberty, while Connecticut hosts Eastern Conference champion Atlanta Sunday afternoon.