Sparks unable to close out Liberty

By

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June 15, 2019

20190615_Sparks_Sosaphoto_0494 — WNBA 2019 New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday June 15, 2019 (Photo by Austin Sosa / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – A 24 hour turnaround down the I-10 freeway had the Los Angeles Sparks back to Staples Center facing the New York Liberty. While they had their answers to Brittney Griner and company, they were unable to figure out what sparked up Amanda Zahui B’s hot hand. Her three pointer with over a minute remaining finished off a 13-for-16 night, as well as going 7-for-8 from deep, that propelled the Liberty to a 98-92 win.

“In a game like this, it is strange to play against a team who also is playing in a back-to-back,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “However, this was no excuse to lose either way. This game was not a fatigue of the body but a fatigue of the mind trying to close things out. We had a game of runs, but the Liberty managed to outrun us late.”

At no point did the Sparks find answers to put the game out of reach. No team managed a double digit lead, but while the Sparks would get close, suddenly Zahui B, Kia Nurse, and the rest of the Liberty offense would climb right back. Zahui B and Nurse both combined for 63 of the team’s total points, with Nurse contributing to 14 in the fourth quarter.

The Ogwumike sisters, Chiney and Nneka, combined for 46 of the teams points, while Chelsea Gray had 18.

The Sparks managed a nine point lead in the first quarter before the Liberty closed out on a 13-6 run in the final six minutes. Both teams were unable to take command in the second frame, but a no-look Gray assist to C. Ogwumike as time expired had the Sparks up 2 at halftime.

New York had some big makes in the third, but the Sparks starting five would respond trading baskets through the middle frames. Gray’s three followed by Chiney’s 15-foot baseline jumper on back-to-back takes gave the Sparks a seven point advantage. After a Liberty timeout another 12-5 run to end the third put New York back in the contest with a number of fast breaks, ending the third period tied at 72.

Los Angeles just could not get over the hump to put the game out of reach. Once the lead reached as big as five late in the fourth quarter, a number of empty possessions were at hand. This allowed yet another Liberty run, capped off by a Zahui B three pointer with just over a minute to go that gave New York a two point lead. On the ensuing possession, Gray couldn’t hit a fade away jumper from 16 feet, eventually putting the game out of reach as New York’s Kia Nurse sank two free throws giving the Liberty a four point edge and what was their biggest lead of the night with over 30 seconds remaining.

The Sparks are off until Tuesday as they are back home at Staples center facing the Washington Mystics.

Indiana Fever not hot enough to beat out Phoenix

By

Chris Tulley

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June 9, 2019

WNBA Basketball 2019: Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever JUN 09 — WNBA 2019:Kennedy Burke with a strong layup during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WNBA 2019: Tiffany Mitchell with the fade way shot during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS — A loss is a loss, but most would agree to lose by seven beats out losing by 26. That’s the situation the Indiana Fever wound up in Sunday’s 94-87 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

The Fever starting five struggled early in the game, Phoenix’ Brittney Griner saw to that personally. Griner, the gold-medalist from Waco Texas, asserted dominance from the tip off. Indy’s Candice Dupree and Teaira McCowan had the talent and size to match up with Griner, but couldn’t contain her.

Phoenix had lost to the Lynx earlier in the week, scoring 56 points total. In Indy, the Mercury netted 53 in the first half. Phoenix All-Stars DeWanna Bonner and Griner combined for 51 points on 20-of-38 shooting, dished nine assists and grabbed 12 rebounds. Bonner, Griner and Indiana’s Kelsey Mitchell all scored at least 25 points in the game.

WNBA 2019:DeWanna Bonner drive pass Betnijah Laney during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WNBA 2019: Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WNBA 2019: Brittany Griner goes up for a shot during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Poor shooting led to the Fever’s woes. In the first period, the home team only made 27.8 percent of its field goals, drastically behind Phoenix’ 55.6 percent.

“I think we let a couple of turnovers, miscues and missed shots bother us. I haven’t seen that happen to us this year. And while that was happening, Phoenix was punishing us,” Fever coach Pokey Chatman said in her media press conference. According to Chatman, her and the team had a gameplan prepared to focus on constraining Griner and Bonner, then playing their scrappy, energetic offense. “… you don’t have much time to get too excited about things, or to get pissed off. It just moves too fast, so we’re already on to Seattle on Tuesday. You know, I talk a lot about ‘cutting off the head of the snake.’ They [Griner and Bonner] got 51 on us. That hurt.”

WNBA 2019:Kennedy Burke with a strong layup during a Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Kelsey’s Comeback

Shooting didn’t improve for the Fever until it was too late. The second period played out much like the first, then after halftime, Chatman began changing the lineup around. Kelsey and Tiffany Mitchell combined for 25 points in the fourth quarter, desperately taking back the pace after being behind as much as 26 points in the third.

“It was good,” Kelsey said on the fourth quarter comeback. “Our first unit is always our pick-me-up, so we look to them for everything, no matter what the circumstance. I feel like the second group just came and kind of just tried to pick up where the first group usually leaves off. Take what we saw and compete for 40 minutes.”

Numbers Game

The numbers for Indiana between the first and second halves did indicate that that the Fever are plenty capable of coming back from behind. In the first two periods, Indy had only landed 11 shots and had no players in double digits, while Phoenix had four girls with at least 10 points. While Phoenix made over 50 percent of its shots in the first half, they declined to 38.9 percent in the second half, contrasting directly with the Fever, who made almost 60 percent of its field goals and 75 percent of its shots outside the circle.

Up Next

Indiana (3-2) welcomes Seattle (3-2) Tuesday. Phoenix (2-3) will stay in the Midwest to take on Chicago (2-2) Tuesday.

NBA Finals Statistical Prediction

By

Christopher Martinez

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June 5, 2019

NBA PLAYOFFS 2019: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS VS LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS APR 21 — Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant #35 at Staples Center on April 21, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The NBA Finals this year are a battle between two teams on the opposite side of the spectrum. The Golden State Warriors looking to capitalize on another championship and the Toronto Raptors who are playing their first ever Finals game in franchise history.

One question on every fans mind is who will take the championship? After game 2 on sunday and Using the stats from both teams through every round and every game in the playoffs an answer could be found.

Taking their round percentages in shooting from the field, 3pt and at the line along with other stats such as turnovers per round, rebounds and assists comparing the teams, looking at consistency and who will come out on top from a numbers standpoint.

Round one for the Toronto Raptors saw them tipping off against the Orlando Magic and winning the series in five games. Through the round the Raptors shot 202/422 from the field coming in at 47.8%.

Toronto Raptors Pascal Siakam (#43) warms up at Staples Center in 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

From the 3pt they shot 60/163 shooting shy of 40% at 36.8%. From the line they shot 68/81 and shooting 83.9%.

The Raptors averaged 45 rebounds per game and finished with a round total of 223 rebounds. In assists they averaged 25 per game and finished with 131 in the round.

The Raptors saw a large amount of turnovers through the first round as they averaged 14 turnovers a game and finished with a round total of 60.

Round one for the Golden State Warriors was a tough battle as it led to a game six against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Golden State shot 268/534 from the field for 50.1% and 77/193 from the 3pt line for a 39.8%.

From the line the Warriors shot 134/155 for an 86.4%. In rebounds they had 276, 187 assists and 86 turnovers through six games.

After looking at the numbers put up in the first round both teams are almost identical with Golden State taking a slight lead but also playing one more game than the Raptors.

Round Two saw the Raptors facing an exciting game seven against the Philadelphia 76ers.

From the first round the Raptors saw their percentages fall slightly as they shot 253/581 from the field for a 43.5% and 68/228 from the 3pt line for a below 30% at 29.8%.

At the line they shot 137/169 for 81% and totaled 279 rebounds. They also had 137 assists and 73 turnovers through seven games.

The Warriors faced off against the Houston Rockets in what would turn into six games.

They had dropped percentages in all categories and increased their turnover by 10 without a game seven. They shot 245/521 from the field for 47% and 69/199 from the 3pt line for 34.6%.

At the charity stripe they shot 11/144 for 77% and added up a total of 226 rebounds, 166 assists and 96 turnovers through six games.

In the second round the Warriors outplayed the Raptors by an average of 4% in every category and kept the Warriors at a more consistent play from the first round to the second.

In round three the Raptors would once again go on to a game six finish against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Raptors in round three kept their percentages close to what they were in the second round keeping things consistent.

Raptors shot 219/526 from the field clinging to a 41.6% and 86/230 from the 3pt line at a comfortable 37.3%.

At the line the Raptors shot 122/151 for 80.7% and tacked up 268 rebounds, 135 assists and 69 turnovers.

Round three saw the Golden State Warriors sweep the Portland Trailblazers in four games and saw brothers Seth and Steph Curry play against each other.

The Warriors played better basketball as they increased all of their stats from round two as they shot 171/349 from the field at 48.9% and 46/127 from the 3pt line for 36.2%.

The Warriors also 71/87 at the line for 81.6% and added 197 rebounds, 117 assists and 58 turnovers in the round.

Through the third round the Warriors are playing much better basketball and more consistent basketball from a numbers standpoint.

The fourth and final round of the NBA Finals is currently underway as the Toronto Raptors take on the Defending Champions the Golden State Warriors and are at a stalemate as the series is tied at one a piece 1-1.

In the field through the first two games the Warriors are 72/160 at 45% and the Raptors are shooting 74/171 at 43.2%.

The Warriors are shooting 25/65 from the 3pt line at 38.5% and the Raptors are 24/71 for 33.8%. The Warriors are 49/54 from the line for 90.7% while the Raptors are 50/58 at 86.2%.

Warriors are leading the Raptors in two categories. Rebounding at 80, assists 63 and turnovers at 31. While the Raptors are struggling as they are rebounding 72 through two games, 52 assists and 25 turnovers.

Looking at all of the rounds and the last two finals games it is safe to say that the Golden State Warriors are going to be NBA Champions once again. Although the percentages are close this series may go a full seven games.

Mitchell, Fever win big over Liberty in home opener

By

Chris Tulley

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June 2, 2019

WNBA Basketball 2019: New York,Liberty vs Indiana Fever JUN 01 — WNBA 2019: #7 Paris Kea blow #3 Tiffany Bias past during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

WNBA 2019: #0 Kelsey Mitchell was on fire last night behind the arc during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indianapolis, Ind. – It was on June 1, 2000, the Indianapolis Fever played their first game. Now 20 seasons later June 1, 2019, the Fever win their home opener to kick off the 2019 season.

The Fever took control early of the New York Liberty and never looked back in 92-77 victory.

“We got an 11-0 run early, we came out early and played our game, and it worked,” Erica Wheeler said after the win. “Our main focus was to come out and be aggressive on defense and that’s what we did.

The Fever ran a strong offensive against the Liberty, meaning the entire Fever line up scored in the game and contributed to the win. In the third quarter, the home squad led by as much as 28.

WNBA 2019:Head coach Pokey Chatman was not pleased with the official call during a New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Guard Kelsey Mitchell commanded the attention of everyone present in Banker’s Life Fieldhouse. Mitchell scored 23 points in just over 25 minutes. She went 5-7 from outside the circle and 2-2 for foul shots.

Mitchell was one of four teammates that scored in double figures for the team. Guards Tiffany Mitchell and Paris Kea came off the bench to score 11 points, 10 points making their presence felt.

The Liberty was lead by Tina Charles scoring 15 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assist in 22 minutes of play.

The Fever are now 2-1, already indicating improvement on their six-win 2018 season. Morale in the locker room appeared high and after such a powerful performance, the team’s energy didn’t diminish at all.

“It was a good win. A really good win. It’ll put more butts in seats.” Candice Dupree said . Dupree holds the WNBA record of most two-point field goals made.

WNBA 2019: New York Liberty vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on June, 01, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The Dallas Wings come to Indy Friday night to attempt to make up for a close preseason loss just weeks prior.

Ogwumike sisters combine for 39 points in win over Connecticut

By

Eric Ramos

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May 31, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks put the game out of reach with the help of the Ogwumike sisters. With 1:10 left in the game, Chiney Ogwumike converted a three-point play to give the Sparks a 72-67 lead.

Older sister, Nneka Ogwumike drained a three with 40 seconds left to send the crowd into a frenzy and extend the lead. The Sparks defeated Connecticut 77-70 in the home opener Friday night at Staples Center.

Sparks Nneka Ogwumike yells after making a basket to put game away during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It was fun,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “That’s the only way I can describe it. Going into the game, we just wanted to compete and be better. I think we did that.”

The younger Ogwumike went 1-for-10 in her debut in the loss to Las Vegas. She rebounded with with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-11 against her former team. Nneka Ogwumike added 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Sparks Chiney Ogwumike fighting down low under the basket during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles went on a 13-4 run to close out the second quarter and Nneka Ogwumike drilled a three with 0.7 seconds left to give the Sparks a 38-31 lead into halftime.

“It’s always great to win at home,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “I’m really proud of the improvement we made during the week.”

Sparks Chelsea Gray playing tight defense during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Sparks head coach Derek Fisher got his first WNBA win. The former Laker was coach of the New York Knick from 2014-2016.

“As a team, they didn’t want to lose tonight,” Fisher said. “And hopefully our offensive continuity will continue to come along as we get used to playing with one another.”

WNBA 2019: Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Birmingham Baseball three-peats as city champions

By

Eric Ramos

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May 25, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – Palisades mounted a furious comeback with a five-run fourth inning to tie it. Birmingham responded in the sixth inning with an RBI single by Kevin Olmos and a two-run double from Daniel Velazquez.

“I tried to focus on hitting the ball up the middle,” Olmos, who had three hits with three RBIs, said. “It feels good being the underdogs and proving everyone wrong once again.”

The No. 8 seed Birmingham Patriots held on to beat Palisades 9-5 and win its third consecutive CIF Los Angeles City Section Open Division title Saturday at Dodger Stadium.

Birmingham’s victory makes them the third team in City Section history to win three straight titles. Fremont won three titles in 1946, 1947 and 1948. Chatsworth three peated in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

“What an unbelievable battle, Palisades came to play,” Birmingham coach Matt Mowry said. “I’m so proud of my guys. They could’ve easily folded when Palisades got back into it and put the pressure on us but they didn’t.”

Palisades loaded the bases with one in the fifth inning when senior pitcher Sebastian Cueva came in for relief. Cueva struck out a batter and forced another batter into a popup to get out of the inning.

Cueva closed the game out no hits on four strikeouts and three walks while the Palisades pitching staff allowed six walks and hit five batters.

“I wanted the ball,” Cueva said. “I felt good. I have not pitched in like a week or two so I was a little iffy in the bullpen but once I came on, I knew I couldn’t be beat.”

Birmingham jumped all over Palisades starting pitcher Will Coquillard in the first inning, scoring three after loading the bases. The Patriots added a run in the fourth inning on an RBI single from Olmos.

Palisades had back-to-back walks with one out in the sixth inning but Lucas Braun struck out and catcher Johnny Tincher threw a runner out trying to steal second base to end the threat.

“It feels amazing (to three peat),” Mowry said. “Not many people have done that.

Narbonne wins division I with a shutout by DJ

By

Eric Ramos

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May 25, 2019

Marshall Narbonne Baseball — Narbonne defeats Marshall 4-0 in the LA City CIF Baseball finals at Dodger Stadium on May 25, 2019 in Los Angeles. Michael Yanow/fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – Narbonne High School starting pitcher DJ Orona got off to a shaky start in the first inning, giving up two hits and a walk.

“Going into that first inning, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous,” Orona said. “Who wouldn’t be nervous pitching at Dodger Stadium but after I got into the dugout my coaches told me to have fun and do my job.”

The sophomore settled down to strike out seven and throw a complete-game shutout in a 4-0 win over Marshall in the City Section Division I championship game Saturday at Dodger Stadium. This was the Gauchos first title since 1991.

“I had the bullpen going in the first inning because you don’t want to be down early,” Narbonne coach Bill Dillon said. “He started off with the jitters and I wasn’t sure he was going to get through it. I knew once he got to a comfortable part he would have a chance to finish the game.”

Narbonne got on the board in the second inning after Chris Vega’s RBI single to center field scored Andres Quintero.

In the third inning, Julio Camarena gets on base after he hits a grounder to the second baseman who can’t make the play. Hasan Standifer singled to right field and Brandon Conklin reached base with a bunt to load the bases no outs. Camarena would come around to score on Quintero’s sacrifice fly to give Narbonne a 2-0 lead.

The Gauchos took a 4-0 lead in the fifth on Camarena’s two-run single. That’s all Orona needed as he cruised the rest of the way to victory.

“It feels amazing,” Orona said of winning a title at Dodger Stadium. “I just looked at the stands and saw everyone going crazy (after the final out). I had the biggest smile.”

FEVER: Twenty-two live TV games for the Fever broadcast schedule

By

Press Release

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May 22, 2019

WNBA 2019: Indiana Fever MAY 20 — Indiana Fever Conduct Media Day For 20th Season. May 20, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2019

FEVER BROADCAST SCHEDULE INCLUDES EXPANDED COVERAGE ON LOCAL AND REGIONAL TV PACKAGES PLUS NATIONAL GAMES ON CBS SPORTS NETWORK, TWITTER AND NBATV

INDIANAPOLIS – Every Indiana Fever game of the 2019 season will again be broadcast live – either online or on television, with local and regional TV networks highlighting coverage for what is the club’s 20th WNBA season. Fever fans will have live video options for all 34 regular season games including 11 produced by regional and local partners FOX Sports Indiana and WISH-TV/MyINDY-TV 23. Twelve games will air nationally on CBS Sports Network as part of a new agreement with the WNBA, a pair of Fever games will stream on Twitter and additional games will be shown on NBATV (schedule TBD).

The Fever’s 22 live TV games accent a full season of streaming coverage on WNBA League Pass which provides worldwide access to webcasts of all WNBA games on the team’s official website, FeverBasketball.com.

FOX Sports Indiana and WISH-TV/MyINDY-TV 23 telecasts feature fifth-year Fever broadcaster Pat Boylan assuming play-by-play duties on both packages. Boylan will be joined by nationally acclaimed analyst Debbie Antonelli on games aired by FSI, and former Fever point guard Tully Bevilaqua on games broadcast on WISH-TV/MyINDY-TV 23.

For the 20th straight season, the Fever partner with regional sports network FOX Sports Indiana. Coverage tips off in June with home games against Phoenix (June 9) and Chicago (June 15). The six-game FSI schedule is capped by consecutive games down the stretch, August 29 against Los Angeles and September 1 at Minnesota.

For the second year in-a-row, Indiana’s local package will carry Indiana’s home-opening game – June 1 against the New York Liberty. The five-game package also features the Fever’s final home game, Sept. 8 against the Connecticut Sun.

Two Indiana games will be played before a live streaming audience on Twitter: June 11 against defending WNBA champion Seattle and June 19 in an 11:00 a.m. tip at Atlanta.

For Indiana Fever single-game ticket information or 2019 season ticket information, visit FeverBasketball.com or call (317) 917-2528. A complete broadcast schedule is below:

MAY			OPPONENT		TIME	TV	LIVE STREAMING OPTIONS
	Fri.	24	at	New York	8:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Tue.	28	at	Connecticut	7:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
JUNE
	Sat.	1		New York	7:00 p.m.	WISH-TV	WNBA League Pass
	Fri.	7		Dallas	7:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sun.	9		Phoenix	4:00 p.m.	FSI	WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports GO
	Tue.	11		Seattle	7:00 p.m.		Twitter, WNBA League Pass
	Thu.	13	at	Dallas	8:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sat.	15		Chicago	7:00 p.m.	FSI	WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports GO
	Wed.	19	at	Atlanta	11:00 a.m.		Twitter, WNBA League Pass
	Fri.	21	at	Chicago	8:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Sun.	23	at	Seattle	7:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Tue.	25		Minnesota	7:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Fri.	28	at	Phoenix	10:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sat.	29	at	Las Vegas	10:30 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
JULY
	Fri.	5	at	Dallas	8:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Wed.	10		Las Vegas	12:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Fri.	12		Los Angeles	7:00 p.m.	FSI	ESPN3.com
	Sun.	14		Connecticut	4:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Fri.	19		Washington	7:00 p.m.	MyINDY-TV 23/CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sun.	21	at	Chicago	6:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Tue.	23	at	Phoenix	10:00 p.m.		ESPN3.com
	Wed.	31		Atlanta	7:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
AUGUST
	Sat.	3		Minnesota	7:00 p.m.	FSI	WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports GO
	Thu.	8	at	Washington	7:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sat.	10		Atlanta	3:00 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sun.	18	at	Washington	3:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Tue.	20		New York	7:00 p.m.	MyINDY-TV 23	WNBA League Pass
	Thu.	22	at	Los Angeles	10:30 p.m.	CBSSN	CBSSportsNetwork.com
	Sun.	25	at	Seattle	7:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Tue.	27		Las Vegas	7:00 p.m.	MyINDY-TV 23	ESPN3.com
	Thu.	29		Los Angeles	7:00 p.m.	FSI	WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports GO
SEPTEMBER
	Sun.	1	at	Minnesota	7:00 p.m.	FSI (FSNorth)	WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports GO
	Fri.	6	at	New York	7:00 p.m.		WNBA League Pass
	Sun.	8		Connecticut	4:00 p.m.	WISH-TV	ESPN3.com

All times are ET | Times are subject to change

For season or group ticket information, call (317) 917-2528

A live webcast of every game is available via WNBA League Pass, except during games carried on CBS Sports Network or during national broadcast windows on ESPN. Games televised on FOX Sports Indiana are also streamed on the FOX Sports GO app and FOXSportsGO.com to FSI subscribers. WNBA League Pass webcasts during games televised on FSI are not available in local market areas due to blackout restrictions. Live streaming of games telecast during an ESPN national broadcast window are streamed on the ESPN app and ESPN3.com. Live streaming of games telecast on CBS Sports Network are available at CBSSportsNetwork.com. All games are archived for streaming on-demand in WNBA League Pass.

FeverBasketball.com

Gritty Indiana Fever ready for the new season

By

Chris Tulley

-

May 21, 2019

Indiana Fever Conduct Media Day For 20th Season. May 20, 2019 (Photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

INDIANAPOLIS — Veterans and rookies are uniting in Indianapolis to improve on last-place 2018 season. Candice Dupree is in her 14th year in the league, and is equally as excited for this year as 2019 Mississippi State grad Teaira McCowan.

“With a team this young, it’s a one day at a time kind of thing,” Dupree said Monday at the Fever’s media day blitz. “We have to get to know everyone offensively after we’ve been apart or have never even played together.”

The Fever have already shown that they can be competitive this season, as they’ve won their three preseason games already. The Fever start their season Friday in New York and open Bankers Life FieldHouse June 1 for the home opener against the New York Liberty.
Anyone on the roster knows what the team’s biggest focal point has to be for a realistic shot to make the playoffs; defense. Knowing your plays, where to make blocks happen, stopping shooters in their tracks. The Fever are creating a gameplan around those things.
“Gritty Indiana defense. That’s what we want to play,” McCowan said. That theme echoed around the auditorium.

McCowan, the 6’7″ center, pointed out some the differences in between college ball and playing at the professional level “Screening and rolling has been a big change for me. At State, I wasn’t doing, So now it’s about getting my timing right, my positioning right. In the W’, there’s a lot of players my height or taller, you have to do something different.”

Shenise Johnson is returning from an ACL injury in what she says is ‘the best shape of my life.” Johnson is confident that her rehabilitation was successful. “Taking a step back from the game has really helped me see it with fresh eyes. I’m back. It’s a different joy in my life. I can be better, like better times two. It’s about being efficient.”

Joining Johnson in the guard role is Erica Wheeler. When asked about how she felt going into her sixth pro season, she said “I feel amazing, you know? Because we already won. We left Texas last night with a win. The team is rolling in such a short period of time, we’re showing a lot of grit.”

Grit is what got the Fever out of a 17 point deficit and earn a W, according to Wheeler. “We can make a lot of people second guess themselves with our presence, with this defense we’re running.”

USC Baseball drops one at home to Oregon

By

Eric Ramos

-

May 19, 2019

AU9C0944 — Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Baseball game on Saturday May 18, 2019. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Oregon Ducks vs USC Trojans PAC-12 Baseball game on Saturday May 18, 2019. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – Oregon senior Jakob Goldfarb hit a three-run home run and Ryne Nelson got the save to help Oregon in a 10-7 conference win over USC Saturday at Dedeaux Field.

The Trojans loss sets up the rubber match Sunday in the series finale.

Oregon took a 4-0 lead in the first inning on two walks and an RBI single by Spencer Steer.

In the second inning, the ducks had bases loaded with no outs when Steer was hit by a pitch, scoring Kyle Froemke from third and giving Oregon a 5-1 lead.

USC got two runs back in the second inning to cut the lead, 5-3. B2: Ben Ramirez beats the throw from the shortstop. Senior Chase Bushor hits a comebacker to the pitcher who throws out Ramirez at second base. One out. Tyler Pritchard walks. Runners on first and second with one out. Brandon Perez walks. Blake Sabol grounds out to first. Bushor scores from third. Two outs. Oregon leads, 5-2. Ball gets past the catcher, Pritchard comes in to score. Oregon leads, 5-3. Brady Shockey strikes out to end the inning.

After Sam Novitske reaches base on an infield hit, Tanner Smith knocks him in on a triple. Steer grounded out to the shortstop, scoring Smith for an Oregon 7-3 lead in the fourth inning. USC’s Blake Sabol answers with a solo home run to right field in the fifth inning.

The Trojans rallied in the eighth inning, scoring on a passed ball and a two-run double from Chase Bushor before Oregon’s closer came in to finish it.

USC will play their final home game of the regular season Sunday at noon against the Ducks.