Game Preview: Mystics vs. Sparks

GAME NOTES

• Sunday's game is the first of two regular season meeting between the Mystics and the Sparks.
• Last season, the Mystics split the season series with the Sparks 1-1.
• Last time out for the Mystics: The Washington Mystics dropped their fifth straight game as the Phoenix Mercury went on to gain their sixth straight win and become the first team in the West to reach 10 wins
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  The Mystics were led by forward Crystal Langhorne who scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Mystics outrebounded the Mercury 32-31.
• Mystics guard Matee Ajavon scored 14 points, shooting 5-for-7 from the free throw line. Ajavon also collected a career high five steals in the Mystics loss.
  
• Mystics rookie guard Jasmine Thomas shot 5-for-6 from the field, adding 11 points. Thomas also collected two steals, one rebound, and dished out one assist in 15 minutes of play.
• Mystics forward/center Nicky Anosike played collegiately with the Los Angeles Sparks� Candace Parker. Both played for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers. Mystics forwards Crystal Langhorne and Marissa Coleman will matchup against former Maryland Terrapin teammate Kristi Toliver of the Sparks.
• Guard Kelly Miller and forward Crystal Langhorne are ranked first and second in the league in minutes per game. Miller is first with 35.1 minutes per game while Langhorne comes in second with 34.7 minutes per game.
• The Washington Mystics are currently in first place in the league in steals per game, averaging 9.17 so far this season. Guard Matee Ajavon is third in the league, collecting 2.25 steals per game. Ajavon collected a career high five steals in their loss to the Phoenix Mercury on July 15.
• The Mystics have not won on the road against the Sparks since June 26, 2008.
• The Sparks hold the all-time record 17-8.