Horrific second quarter costs Silver Stars against Fever

The San Antonio Silver Stars didn't have much luck against the Indiana Fever on August 9, losing 81-68. With the loss, the Silver Stars have now dropped four of their last four games, and are barely holding on to the second spot in the WNBA's Western Conference.

The Silver Stars held their own against the Fever in the first quarter, but quickly ran into trouble in the second. San Antonio struggled offensively in the second quarter, going 1-14 from the field. The Silver Stars tried to pick things up in the fourth quarter, but by then it was already too late. The two teams will meet again on August 14 for the second game of their 2011 regular season series.

Guard Becky Hammon led the Silver Stars against the Fever, shooting 50 percent from the field. Hammon led San Antonio with her 19 points, while dishing out five assists. Sophia Young, Scholanda Robinson, and Danielle Robinson all had solid performances for the Silver Stars, finishing with 13, 12, and 11 points respectively. Unfortunately for the Silver Stars, all their efforts weren't enough to overcome their season-worst second quarter performance.

"We dug ourselves into a hole," Hammon told reporters after the game. "It's hard to come back on the road."

Forward Tamika Catchings led Indiana against the Silver Stars, finishing with a game-high 21 points. Catchings also brought the Silver Stars fourth quarter comeback attempt to an end, fueled by a technical foul call.

The Indiana Fever also got big performances from their back-court, with Katie Douglas and Erin Phillips finishing the game with a combined 31 points. Defensively, the Fever were just as good, holding the Silver Stars to 43 percent shooting from the field.

"We did a good job on Becky [Hammon] and Sophia [Young]," Indiana Fever coach Lin Dunn told reporters. "Our defense is more effective as the game goes on, because we are more aware of the opponent's offense. By the second quarter, we have gotten into a rhythm."

The Silver Stars next game will be against the Connecticut Sun on August 11. The Sun are currently second place in the east, and San Antonio will be in for another tough game.

David has supported the San Antonio Silver Stars for the past three years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.

Sources:
Associated Press, "Fever build early lead, hold off Silver Stars"
Player and game information from ESPN.com