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Mystics lose Shakira Austin to hip strain in OT defeat to Liberty

Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin had to be carried off the court after injuring her hip early in the fourth quarter of Sunday's 89-88 overtime loss to the New York Liberty.

Austin got hurt shortly before the Liberty took their only lead. She tipped a pass near midcourt and went down in front of the Liberty bench. She was down on the court for a few minutes before she was carried to the locker room by a trainer and teammate Natasha Cloud.

"It's a left hip strain and we'll evaluate her when we get back," Washington coach Eric Thibault said.

Austin recorded 6 points and 5 rebounds in 22 minutes prior to exiting.

Austin is averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 13 games this season. She is shooting 50.8% from the field.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.