By John E. De Freitas
WI Sports Editor
Thursday, August 3, 2006

Last Sunday Alana Beard, the Mystics’ most popular player was ejected in the second quarter of the game against the visiting Charlotte Stings. The Stings were leading the Mystics 26-19, with 2:25 minutes remaining for the half.

Beard collected a pass from teammate Chasity Melvin on a quick counter attack. Beard headed at top speed towards the basket with three Sting players in hot pursuit.

Beard, on her way up to the basket, was hit on to the floor ending up under two Sting players. Beard, upset at being sandwiched and pinned by the

Angry Mystics fans protest Alana Beard’s dismissal by showing the referee the “technical sign.”

Alana Beard Ejected, Mystics Win

two players, was ready to protest to referee Michael Price. To her surprise, Price called the foul on her.

Beard protested vocally and was hit with a technical foul. A surprised Beard apparently said something to Price and was given the second technical. At this time, Beard and Coach Richie Adubato had to be physically restrained. Beard was escorted to the locker room.

Fans at the Verizon center also erupted in protest. One fan threw an object towards Price, who called security and the woman was escorted out of the building.

For the rest of the period, fans continued to “boo” Price, who needed extra security to go to the locker room during half-time.

The Mystics took control of the game from the start of the second half and ended up defeating the Stings 78-73.The win assured the team of a spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs. There are still six remaining games left before the season ends (three at home and three on the road).

“When you see a player as great as Alana Beard get tossed out of the game for nothing…I was like, ‘OK’, we are not going to let this happen tonight’,” said DeLisha Milton-Jones.

“We won a great game (Saturday) against a great team (Indiana). We’re not going to let Charlotte, who basically packed up their season five games ago, come in and destroy everything we prepared for until now.”

Milton-Jones scored a season high 26 points to carry the team single-handedly to the end. “I thought DeLisha Milton-Jones had a great game. She made all the big shots, especially in the second-half,” said Mystics coach Richie Adubato. “We called on her and she drove on some, hit the three. She did a great job on the boards and was 11 for 11 from the foul line.”

“Our goal is to make the playoffs,” said Chasity Melvin, who scored 12 points. “We want to go far into the playoffs and I think we have some good tests coming up against some good teams.”

The play-offs start August 17.