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Mystics-Monarchs Preview

Aug 22, 2009 - 5:35 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Washington (12-13) at Sacramento (8-18), 10:00 p.m. EDT

The Washington Mystics and Sacramento Monarchs kept the WNBA's top two teams from clinching playoff berths. They face a tough road, though, to get into position to earn postseason spots of their own.

With both clubs coming off momentum-building victories, the Mystics look to sweep their season series with the Monarchs on Saturday night in Sacramento.

Washington (13-13) is in a four-team race for the last three playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, but has been inconsistent in recent weeks. The Mystics had lost five of seven before a 91-81 victory over Western Conference-leading Phoenix on Friday night that could give them a much-needed confidence boost.

Washington kept Phoenix from securing a spot in the postseason, holding the league's highest-scoring team 11 points under its season average.

Sacramento (8-18) used a strong defensive effort of its own to beat Indiana 67-62 on Thursday night, keeping the WNBA's top team from becoming the first club to secure a playoff berth.

The Monarchs own the WNBA's worst record but have won three of four as they try to fight their way back into the playoff race in the West.

"We are still not where we want to be, but we're moving in that direction," Sacramento coach and general manager John Whisenant said.

The Monarchs outscored the Fever 21-12 in the fourth quarter, and their tough defense helped cause 21 turnovers, a season high for Indiana.

"I think it's a very good momentum builder, but it's just one game," Sacramento forward DeMya Walker said. "We have to forget about this when we leave this locker room and focus on the next one."

The Monarchs have surrendered an average of 72.5 points over their last six games. They struggled against the Mystics on July 26, however, losing 87-73.

It was Washington's first win over Sacramento since Sept. 7, 2004. Crystal Langhorne had a season-high 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the Mystics, while Lindsey Harding added 16 points.

They had strong efforts versus the Mercury on Friday as well. Langhorne had 19 points and 12 rebounds while Harding contributed 15 points and six assists.

Kara Lawson, who led the Monarchs with 16 points in the July matchup between these clubs, didn't play against the Fever and is listed as day to day with tendinitis in her right quadriceps.

Sacramento's Rebekkah Brunson helped offset Lawson's loss with 16 points and 10 rebounds versus Indiana. The forward is averaging 16.4 points and 8.8 rebounds over her last five contests.

Nicole Powell, who tops the Monarchs with 16.0 points per game, added 14 points and 10 rebounds. She went 6 for 6 from the free-throw line and is making 97.1 percent of her attempts on the season.