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Fever-Sun Preview

Jun 10, 2010 - 7:48 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Indiana (5-3) at Connecticut (5-2), 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Indiana Fever pride themselves on defense and are coming off their best effort at that end of the floor in nearly two years. The Connecticut Sun have been just as stingy recently.

In a meeting of the WNBA's best defensive clubs, the Fever go for their fourth straight win Friday night when they visit the Sun, who will try to improve to 6-0 at home.

Since losing its first two games by a combined 11 points, Indiana (5-3) has moved within 1 1/2 games of the Eastern Conference lead.

The key has been constantly improving defense, as the Fever held their last three opponents to fewer than 60 points. Indiana is allowing league lows of 68.1 points per game and 39.5 percent shooting.

Indiana's defensive performance Sunday was one of its best ever, as the Fever set a franchise record by holding Minnesota to 20.7 percent from the field in an 89-51 win. The club gave up its lowest point total since a 50-48 loss at Washington on July 8, 2008.

"We're an energy defensive team," coach Lin Dunn said. "I thought tonight we probably defended as well as we have defended since back to the playoffs."

The Fever were led at the offensive end by Tamika Catchings, who scored 27 points, shot 7 of 9 from the field and hit all three of her 3-point attempts. She totaled 26 points and shot 6 of 18 in her previous two games.

Indiana and Connecticut split four meetings last season, with each team winning twice at home. They meet Sunday in the finale of this home-and-home series.

The Sun (5-2) will turn their formidable defensive focus to Catchings, as they are second to the Fever in scoring defense at 72.4 points a game. Connecticut's last three opponents each scored fewer than 70.

The Sun have won two in a row, defeating San Antonio 81-68 on Sunday. Tina Charles had 19 points and 11 rebounds as the Sun remained unbeaten at home despite trailing for most of the first half.

Connecticut has won seven in a row at Mohegan Sun Arena since a 90-70 loss to Detroit on Aug. 25.

"We are getting there, little by little," coach Mike Thibault said. "I think the players are excited. I think they see the potential of all the things we can do."

After Friday's game, the Sun play three straight on the road.