WASHINGTON, June 17 (Ticker) -- Alana Beard and Nikki Teasley scored 26 points apiece as the Washington Mystics held down the New York Liberty in the final period to post an 88-70 victory in the opener of a home-and-home series.

With the win, the Mystics improved to 6-0 at the MCI Center this season and moved closer to winning consecutive home-and-home series. Washington closed out a successful two-game set with Charlotte on Thursday after a 96-77 rout and will attempt to repeat that accomplishment during a visit to New York on Wednesday.

NBA TV highlights from Liberty-Mystics: Play

Beard, who had 25 points in the previous meeting, made all 10 free throws, added nine rebounds and posted a season-high five steals while Teasley registered a career high in points, netting six 3-pointers.

After entering the fourth quarter with a 65-57 lead, the Mystics went on an 11-4 run to start the frame for a 76-61 cushion with 5:22 to go. Beard was responsible for her team's first eight points during the surge in which she recorded back-to-back three-point plays.

Washington held New York to just 11 points in the closing period.

Shameka Christon scored 16 points and Becky Hammon added 14 for the Liberty, who have lost three straight and five of their last six.