Connecticut got out to a big lead and were able to coast to victory. Washington tried to battle back in the second half but never got closer than eight.

"We got a little head of steam in the first half," coach Thibault said. "It's exciting. I have expectations every year to start the season to see if you can win a championship, but it goes in stages. First you have to just build the team. Our goal at one point in the season was to figure out a way to get in the playoffs. It's exciting and the players are excited, but we have a lot of work ahead of us."

It was a disappointing end to the Mystics' late season charge. Beard and Chas had nice games last night; they just didn't get much help from anyone else on the team.

Asked if it would have been different with Holdsclaw on the floor, Coach Adams responded: "I won't even go there."