Rookie Mitchell has career night, helps Fever outshine Sun

Uncasville, Connecticut — Both teams were desperate for a win. Indiana, coming off a 32-point blowout in New York on Friday, was looking for its first road win of the season. Connecticut was working to end its five-game losing streak and hoping for its first home win of the season.

The Sun pushed for a comeback late in the fourth quarter as Connecticut's bench cut a 20-point deficit down to four and brought energy and life into the game.

But Fever guard Tiffany Mitchell stepped up for the Fever. She scored 13 of her career-high 21 points in the last ten minutes of regulation, keeping a firm hold onto the Fever's lead.

Fever head coach Stephanie White said she was pleased with the overall effort of the team, but Mitchell's offensive pressure really impressed her.

"[Tiffany] is special," said White. "Her game fits the pro game and her ability to play fearless and attack and lock down on the defensive end."

However, the Sun played from behind the whole game. The Fever took control of the game from the start with a 12-6 lead just four minutes into the game. Although both teams saw their fair share of turnovers, the Sun's five turnovers helped Indiana score eight unanswered points.

Sun forward Alyssa Thomas scored eight of the team's 19-points in the first quarter, but the Fever held on to a 27-19 edge at the end of the first quarter. Indiana shot an impressive 77 percent from the field, while Connecticut shot roughly 62 percent.

In the first quarter, the Sun's defense stood strong in the paint, barely allowing the Fever any opportunities to drive to the basket. However, the second quarter told a different story. Indiana's ball movement spread out Connecticut's defense, opening up opportunities for Marissa Coleman and Tamika Catchings to work their magic behind the arc.

The Sun showed a little rush of momentum late in the first half, going on a 6-2 dash. However, as the clock dwindled down in the second quarter, Catchings tossed a solid pass to Coleman, who sank a buzzer-beating three to end the period. The Fever stood in front 47-35 heading into the locker room.

The Sun's comeback effort fell short, as the Fever held on 86-77. Indiana now holds a 4-4 overall record this season, while Connecticut falls 1-7. This is the Sun's worst start in the franchise's history.

Sun head coach Curt Miller said he thought his squad played with a lot of energy throughout the game.

"We struggled with rotations which put us at a disadvantage at the point of attack," said Miller. "I like the effort; I like the fight of our second unit for the second game in a row. They play with heart and determination and pure passion. That doesn't mean they play perfectly, but they play with pride in that uniform."

Connecticut will look to turn the page on this loss when it takes on the Seattle Storm at home Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. ET. Indiana will head home to take on the Chicago Sky Friday, June 10 at 7 p.m. ET.