Johnson, Mompremier Advance in WNBA Playoffs

Three of the best players to come through The U, Shenise Johnson (’12), Beatrice Mompremier (’20) and Riquna Williams (’12) were in action this week during the first two rounds of the 2020 WNBA Playoffs. Johnson (Minnesota Lynx) and Mompremier (Connecticut Sun), are moving on to the Semifinals, while Williams’ and the Los Angeles Sparks fell in the second round.

In three playoff games, Mompremier is averaging 1.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. She totaled three blocks and two steals against the Chicago Sky in Connecticut’s first round win on Sept. 15.

Playing just three minutes in the second-round game against Los Angeles, Mompremier was well-rested for the first game of the seme-finals on Sept. 20. The forward played a season-high 22 minutes in the Sun’s victory, tallying four points, six rebounds and a game-best three blocks.

“Curt Miller has gotten some nice, little contributions from his bench throughout the end of the season and in these first couple minutes,” said ESPN reporter Rebecca Lobo. “I’m talking specifically about Beatrice Mompremier. She has used her length nicely and her minutes on the floor.”

In 21 games played, Mompremier ranks second on the Sun in blocks (0.6) and fourth in rebounds (3.3).

Williams notched a field goal, a rebound and a steal in 10 minutes of action against the Sun on Sept. 17.

She finished the 2020 season averaging 10.5 points, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game, while serving as the Sparks’ sixth man.

She has now averaged double-figures in five of her eight WNBA seasons and shot a career-best 43.5 percent from the field in 2020. Her .422 clip from 3-point range was also a career-high mark.

Johnson did not see any action in the Lynx’ second round elimination game against the Phoenix Mercury, but will have a chance to earn some court time when Minnesota takes on Seattle in a best-of-five series beginning on Tuesday.

2020 Playoff Schedule

Tuesday, Sept. 22
Game 1: No. 4 Minnesota at No. 2 Seattle, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game 2: No. 7 Connecticut at No. 1 Las Vegas, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)

Thursday, Sept. 24
Game 3: No. 1 Las Vegas at No. 7 Connecticut, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game 2: No. 2 Seattle at No. 4 Minnesota, 9:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Sunday, Sept. 27
Game 3/4*: TBD, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3/4*: TBD, 3 p.m. (ABC)

Tuesday, Sept. 29
Game 4/5*: TBD, 7 p.m. (ESPN2)
Game 4/5*: TBD, 9 p.m. (ESPN2)