WASHINGTON (AP) — Matee Ajavon scored 19 points and Crystal Langhorne added 15 points and 10 rebounds to help the Washington Mystics fend off the Tulsa Shock 64-61 on Saturday night.
Monique Currie had 15 points as the Mystics (1-1) won despite committing 32 turnovers. Dating back to the 2011 season, Washington had lost five straight and 14 of 15 games.
After Ajavon’s fast break layup put the Mystics ahead 58-43 early in the fourth quarter, the Shock stormed back with a 14-0 run. Following an exchange of baskets that kept Washington ahead, Currie’s jump shot and Langhorne’s free throw extended the Mystics lead to 63-59 with 1:36 remaining.
Glory Johnson’s layup with 1:23 on the clock pulled the Shock closer at 63-61, but it would be the last basket of the game. Langhorne added another free throw with 4.1 seconds remaining, putting the Mystics up by three. Following a timeout, Washington’s closing defense kept Tulsa from getting off a shot in regulation.
