Emily Engstler leads balanced attack as Mystics hold off Wings

Emily Engstler poured in 19 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead a balanced Washington attack as the visiting Mystics outlasted the Dallas Wings 90-86 on Tuesday in a late-season clash between two teams on the outside looking in for a spot in the postseason.

The Mystics (10-23) led by 12 points at the half and by just six after three quarters. Washington opened the fourth period with a 12-2 run capped by Engstler's running layup with 7:03 remaining and held on despite a late Dallas surge that cut the margin to four points.

The Mystics captured their fourth game in their past five contests as they continue their move toward the postseason.

Ariel Atkins added 14 points for Washington with Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and Julie Vanloo hitting for 11 each. Washington is in 10th place in the league standings, a game and a half behind eighth place Chicago. The top eight teams in the 12-squad WNBA earn spots in the playoffs.

Arike Ogunbowale led Dallas with 21 points, scoring all but three of those in the second half. Teaira McCowan added 20 points and 13 rebounds, Natasha Howard scored 14, Satou Sabally had 12 and Kalani Brown hit for 10 points as the Wings (9-24) dropped to 11th place, losing its second straight game after a season-high three-game winning streak.

The Mystics, getting points from eight players in the first period and hitting five 3-pointers, led 26-16 after 10 minutes of play.

Dallas was down by 14 midway through the second period but clawed back, pulling to within 43-38 when Maddy Siegrist hit a layup at the 1:54 mark. That seemed to re-light a fire under the Mystics, who finished the half with an 8-1 run punctuated by Engstler's driving layup to carry a 51-39 lead to the break.

Engstler paced Washington with 10 points before halftime as the Mystics' bench players outscored Dallas' reserves 27-3 over the first 20 minutes. McCowan's 16 points at the half led all players; Howard also reached double figures with 10 points at intermission.

The Mystics again built their advantage to 14 points before Ogunbowale hauled Dallas back into the game, scoring eight points in the third quarter to help her team draw to within 71-65 heading into the final period.

--Field Level Media