WNBA: Chicago Sky Swept by Indiana Fever

Indianapolis, IN (July 27, 2010)—The window of playoff opportunity is beginning to close for the Chicago Sky, with most of the downward pressure coming from rival Indiana. 

Chicago failed in its fifth and final attempt to defeat the Fever this season, despite a valiant rally near the end of the game. 

After trailing by as many as 18 points, the Sky managed to whittle the Fever lead down to just two points with three minutes left in the game.  But unlike their dramatic comeback the previous game against San Antonio, the Sky was unable to sustain it this time. 

Fever guard Briann January hit a trey and later added a free throw to ice a 78-74 win for the defending Eastern Conference Champion Indiana Fever. 

Four Sky players scored in double figures, led by Sylvia Fowles with 16 points and eight rebounds. 

In her third game with the Sky and her first against her old team, Shay Murphy scored 12 points off the bench on 4-of-8 shooting from the field. 

Dominique Canty added 10 points for Sky, eight of which came in the first half.  Tamera Young made four of nine shots for 11 points. 

Starting guard Jia Perkins was removed from the game in the first quarter after taking a shot above her right eye.  She returned to the game in the second half after getting stitches to close the cut. 

Tamika Catchings (pictured above with Perkins) led the Fever with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.  With the win, Indiana improves to 16-7. 

The Sky continue their road trip Friday when they take on the Seattle Storm.  Chicago, now below .500 again at 12-13, must win the rest of the games on this trip to be in good playoff position as the season begins to wind down.