Saniya Rivers stars as Sun reserves shine bright in Mystics upset

Saniya Rivers scored 17 points off the bench to lead the Connecticut Sun past the Washington Mystics, 80-69, on Tuesday night, snapping their long road drought with a much-needed victory. The win was just Connecticut’s seventh of the season and their first away from home since May 30.

The Sun’s bench proved decisive, pouring in 45 points compared to just 10 from Washington’s reserves. Olivia Nelson-Ododa added 15 off the bench, while veteran Tina Charles was the only starter in double figures with 13. Connecticut also capitalised on Washington’s mistakes, converting 15 turnovers into 21 points.



The Mystics, battling for playoff positioning, were led by All-Star rookie Sonia Citron, who tallied 19 points while surpassing Chamique Holdsclaw for the most points in a rookie season in franchise history.

Shakira Austin chipped in 12, and Jade Melbourne marked her 100th career game with a sharp start, scoring eight first-half points.


The game swung in Connecticut’s favor with a 9-0 run to close the second quarter, extending into a 13-0 surge early in the third that stretched their lead to 51-35. Washington clawed back within six after a Citron three, but late buckets from Nelson-Ododa and Leila Lacan steadied the Sun.

Former Mystics forward Aaliyah Edwards, acquired in a recent trade, scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds for Connecticut against her old team.

Despite the Mystics’ push, the Sun preserved their double-digit cushion and matched Washington in the fourth quarter to seal a rare and morale-boosting road win.