Austin scores 25 and has go-ahead three-point play as Mystics shock Aces 100-99

WASHINGTON — Shakira Austin scored 25 points, including a three‑point play after an offensive rebound with 12.8 seconds remaining, to lift the Washington Mystics to a 100‑99 victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday night. Austin grabbed a missed shot by Sonia Citron and finished with a driving layup that sparked Washington’s rally from a nine‑point deficit with four minutes left. She contributed 11 of those points during the surge, while Citron, who finished with 20 points, added four in the final minute. A’ja Wilson led the Aces with 38 points, shooting 12‑of‑16 from the field and converting 12 of 13 free throws. The Aces entered the All‑Star break two games behind league‑leading Minnesota (18‑8 record). Wilson’s missed opportunity with 17 seconds left opened the door for Austin’s go‑ahead basket. Jackie Young contributed 24 points and Chelsea Gray added 19 for Las Vegas. For Washington, Lauren Betts scored 13 points off the bench; the Mystics entered the game as the league’s lowest‑scoring team at 79.6 points per game. Kiki Iriafen tallied 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Michaela Onyenwere and Georgia Amoore each chipped in 10 points. The Aces held a 87‑78 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but the Mystics trailed 96‑95 after Citron made two free throws with 43 seconds left. Washington had taken a 46‑45 lead into halftime. Las Vegas shot 55 percent from the field compared to Washington’s 49 percent, yet was outrebounded 34‑24, including a 12‑4 disadvantage on offensive boards. Up next: The Aces host Portland on Tuesday. The Mystics will host Connecticut on Tuesday, marking the second game of a six‑game home stand.