Mystics beat Sun 71-67 to clinch playoff spot in WNBA's Eastern Conference

Connecticut Sun’s Alyssa Thomas knocks the ball from Washington Mytics’ Monique Currie, center, as Sun’s Danielle McCray defends watches during the second half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Uncasville, Conn. The Mystics won 71-67. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (The Associated Press)

Connecticut Sun’s Katie Douglas, center greets teammate Kelsey Bone at the start of a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics as Sun’s Kayla Pedersen, right, looks on, Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, in Uncasville, Conn. Douglas did not play in the game. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) (The Associated Press)

UNCASVILLE, Conn – Emma Meesseman had 16 points and seven rebounds, and the Washington Mystics beat the Connecticut Sun 71-67 on Friday night to earn their second straight Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Ivory Latta had 16 points for Washington (16-17) and rookie Bria Hartley scored 13.

Alex Bentley scored 16 and rookie Chiney Ogwumike added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Sun (12-21). They were without starting guards Katie Douglas (back) and Allison Hightower (knee).

The idle New York Liberty were eliminated from postseason contention, giving Connecticut two picks in the 2015 draft lottery. Besides their own, the Sun also have New York's as part of a deal that sent Tina Charles to the Liberty.

Bentley's 3-pointer cut the Mystics' lead to 67-66 with 48 seconds left, but Monique Currie made all four of her free throws down the stretch and the Sun turned it over on their next two possessions.