Stephen Nover Free WNBA Thursday Play
(WNBA) Washington vs. Las Vegas, 07/04/2024 10:00 PM, Score: 77 - 98
Total: 169.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Win
It was the most excruciating quarter of WNBA basketball I have watched all season.

The game was the Las Vegas Aces at Washington Mystics last Saturday. I had the Over, which got steamed up to close at 174 1/2 points. There were 98 points scored in the first half, a pace for 196 points to be scored.

Final score: Aces 88, Mystics 77. That's a total of 165 points - and a loser for the Over.

What happened?

The Mystics scored just 25 points in the second half and only eight points during the fourth quarter. It was beyond painful to watch because the Mystics had open, short shots. Time after time, though, they chose to pass up these shots by attacking the Aces' star center, 6-foot-4 superstar A'ja Wilson. It was stupidity on full display. The Mystics committed turnover after turnover by overpassing.

I have to believe the Mystics learned a lesson from that. Washington ranks No. 2 in the WNBA in 3-point accuracy. The Aces happen to be last in 3-point defense.

But it's the Aces I'm counting on to make this Over work. Las Vegas leads the league in scoring at 87.8 points. The Aces are 5-0 and averaging 90 points since star point guard Chelsea Gray returned from injury. The Mystics are a below average defensive team.

I find line value, too, on this total with the Over/Under below last Saturday's closing total.

(Editor's note: Stephen Nover is 27-15 on his premium/free WNBA plays this season for 64 percent. Stephen is 2-0 this month on his WNBA plays, beating the league for the fourth time in five years. Stephen has a premium WNBA play to go with this free selection. Gain an edge in the WNBA by riding Stephen's expertise, extensive research and powerful record.)