Women's Hoops Blog

Inane commentary on a game that deserves far better


Saturday, July 21, 2007

The Lynx looked they were on their way to one of their most impressive wins of the season. Instead a 14 point fourth quarter lead turned into a 91-87 overtime loss to the Mystics.

Perhaps even worse than the loss of the game is the injury to Seimone Augustus near the end of regulation. Augustus, who had scored a career high 33, collided with another player and went down hard. She remained down for several minutes; she eventually got up with assistance but did not return to the game. "We don't know the extent of Seimone's injury, but obviously, it isn't good because she didn't come back,'' said Lynx coach Don Zierden.

The Mystics got back in the game with full court pressure that resulted in 32 Lynx turnovers and a generous advantage at the free throw line. Nicole Ohlde, Kathrin Ress and Kristen Mann would foul out and two more players had five fouls. Despite this, the Lynx still looked like they had the game with a three point lead with 3.8 seconds left. But Tamara James somehow convinced official Roy Gulbeyan that she was fouled by Mann on a desperation three at the buzzer.

The good fortunes continued for the Mystics in overtime when Nikki Blue scored from near half court just before the shot clock expired. She was one of five players who scored in double figures for Washington. Coach Rollins: "We had a great all-around effort. The game ball tonight goes to Nikki Blue. She really grew up as a WNBA player tonight."