Sky Looks to Maintain their Mastery of the Mystics

In the Eastern Conference it seems that this year, in any game, on any given night, any team can win. The Washington Mystics, who currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference, proved just that with a 91-81 win over the tough New York Liberty on August 6, pulling out the first �W� for the team since July 17. And then they did it again to New York six days later 64-63.

Although the Mystics sit at the bottom of the Conference, they have proven they can be a defensive force. They brought that aggressiveness to Chicago when the teams met in July, converting 16 Chicago turnovers into 18 points. Victoria Dunlap recorded 5 steals on the night herself. But Sylvia Fowles had a night for the ages (34 points and 17 rebounds), and Chicago pulled out the victory.

Despite a 2-0 record against the Mystics this season, the Sky can�t overlook their conference rival. Chicago needs to build momentum as it pushes for the playoffs by earning a tough win on the road. The good news is that the Verizon Center is one of the two locations the Sky has been successful so far this season.

Pokey Chatman said the key in this matchup for her team is playing a physical game and being in attack mode.

�When you look at the stat sheet we won in areas on the boards and we got to the free throw line,� said Chatman commenting on the team�s 78-65 victory. �We didn�t settle for jumpers, and we were efficient in the paint. Anytime you can get to the free throw lane and attack it does something special.�

Providing the Mystics will make adjustments and collapse down low on Fowles this time, the Sky will need to hit their shots from the outside to win, something they have shown they can do.

With a big win in Washington, the Sky will move one step closer to the playoffs.

Tune in to CN 100 on Saturday, August 20 at 6:00pm CT for all the action.