Chicago Starts New Losing Streak As Mystics Bring Down The Sky In WNBA

Rosemont, IL (June 11, 2010) The Chicago Sky took the court at Allstate Arena tonight hoping to reclaim the momentum lost three days ago when New York Liberty put an end to Chicago's all-time record four game win streak.

Tonight's opponent, Washington Mystics were determined to keep Chicago off their game, and succeeded. 

Chicago had their moments. Later in the second quarter, The Sky went on a 11-0 tear, pulling within three before half time.

But, in the third quarter, Washington rebuilt their lead, streaking into double digit margins, only to have Chicago claw their way back to contention, but never into a lead.

Chicago's best third quarter run was a 7-2 spurt, but the third ended with a 10 point differential, Washington leading 69-59.

Chicago did not play consistently on either side of the ball. Shooting and defense was streaky. The team showed more spirit than they did in the previous game but were still outplayed by the visitors.

Lindsay Harding did much of the damage for Washington, with near perfect shooting, including several threes. Although Washington is normally a 40 percent shooting team, they shot 62 percent from the field tonight.

Chicago's Sylvia Fowles had one of her career best scoring nights but seemed to be trying to carry the team on her shoulders without much help, much of the time, and just couldn't do it all by herself.

The help she did get came from Erin Thorn put in an impressive sixth woman performance once again, and a gutsy performance away from the ball by Sandora Irvin (pictured above). But it wasn't enough.

Chicago shot only 40 percent from the field and less than 20 percent from three point range. They were also significantly out-rebounded by Washington.

The Washington lead ranged from 6-12 most of the quarter. But at the two minute mark, the Mystics pulled out to a 14 point lead and Chicago seemed to know at that point, it was over. The final score was 95-78.

With the win, Washington breaks over the .500 mark at 6-5.

Chicago now owns a two game losing streak, falling to 4-6, with one more game remaining in their four game home-stand, June 15th against the Atlanta Dream, at 7:00PM CDT.