Fever Fall to Sparks Despite Big Game from Catchings

Sep 21, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker (3) reacts in the game against the Phoenix Mercury at US Airways Center. The Sparks defeated the Mercury 82-73. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana Fever were unable to come away with a big win tonight against the Los Angeles Sparks, and ended up falling by a final score of 86-78. It was a very disappointing loss as the Fever had the lead for the majority of the second half of the third quarter and half of the fourth quarter, but fell apart down the stretch. Indiana now sits at 10-12 and will need to pick things up if they want to make their way into the WNBA Playoffs.

Candace Parker had a huge game for the Sparks, and was too much for the Fever to handle down the stretch. She scored 34 points on 12-20 shooting, and also made 7-8 from the foul line. Kristi Toliver also was a pain for the Fever in the second half, and hit some huge shots to help the Sparks stay in the game and also end up with the win. Toliver ended up scoring 22 points and hit three shots from behind the three-point line.

Indiana was led by a huge game from veteran star Tamika Catchings, who scored 25 points on 8-16 shooting. She has remained extremely consistent, but was unable to keep her team ahead late in the fourth quarter. Both Marissa Coleman and Shavonte Zellous scored 16 points apiece, while Erlana Larkins ended up with 10 rebounds.

Overall, this was a very disappointing loss for the Fever and it would have been a huge boost for their confidence. They are hurting fairly bad as far as their record goes, but having Catchings back and playing good basketball will help them out. Their next game will be Thursday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 7 PM.