Mistie Mims scored 11 points and Kara Lawson and Ashja Jones added 10 for the Sun (9-3). Tina Charles, the league’s No. 3 scorer, was held to six points on 3-for-11 shooting.
It was a chippy game that featured five technical fouls, including four against the Sun. Connecticut coach Mike Thibault was ejected in the third quarter for arguing with officials.
“They looked like a team excited to play us after the game in Connecticut,’’ Thibault said. “They competed better than us right from the get-go. Obviously shot lights out, 15 3s. I just wish we could have played better.’’
The Fever scored the game’s first 10 points. Zellous scored 11 points in the opening quarter to help the Indiana take a 25-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Then, the Fever really got going.
Powered by an 11-point second quarter from Douglas, Indiana led 57-30 at halftime. The Fever made 11 of 14 shots in the second quarter. The Fever made nine 3-pointers in the first half, a franchise record for a half. The 57 points tied for the second-most in a half in franchise history.
Three Fever players Douglas, Zellous and January scored in double figures in the first half. Indiana held Charles to two points and three rebounds before the break.
“I was very pleased with our team tonight,’’ Fever coach Lin Dunn said. “We set the tone early. I was disappointed we let the game get away the other night. Our bench did a good job. It was a well-played first half. We did things we had talked about. Our defense set the tone for us.’’
Indiana didn’t score for the first 3:40 of the third quarter, but the Fever had a nice cushion to work with.
Thibault was ejected after his second technical foul. The Fever led 69-49 at the end of the third quarter.
“Today was their day,’’ Mims said. “They came out very aggressive and created a real big hole that had us on our heels. They played extremely well and their momentum was on the upside again.’’
Jeanette Pohlen’s 3-pointer in the final minute gave the Fever the team record for 3s.
The Fever also celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Title IX, which ensured equality for women across all educational platforms, including sports. Former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh co-authored the legislation that was signed into law June 23, 1972.
Fever COO and GM Kelly Krauskopf honored Bayh, known as the “Father of Title IX,’’ during a pregame on-court ceremony before the game.
Ann Meyers, vice president of the Phoenix Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, was featured in an on-court arena interview at halftime. Meyers was the first woman to sign an NBA free agent contract, reaching an agreement with the Indiana Pacers in 1979.
WNBA president Laurel Richie called Indiana’s celebration “special.’’
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