Fever 79, Monarchs 67

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) On a night when the two of the biggest stars were missing in action, the role players took center stage Saturday night and it was Indiana's understudies who proved to be the most prepared for prime time.

Though all-star and Olympian Natalie Williams led the Fever with 24 points and 11 rebounds, key baskets from reserves Coretta Brown and Kristen Rasmussen down the stretch led the Fever past the Sacramento Monarchs 79-67.

Tamika Catchings, Indiana's leading scorer, was just three for nine from the field, and finished with only nine points.

``Our bench was the difference tonight,'' said Indiana coach Nell Fortner, who was especially pleased that the Fever finally won their first game in Arco Arena and their first road game of the season. ``We're learning how to win.''

Sacramento struggled as its all-star and Olympian, Yolanda Griffith, had only seven points and five rebounds. Tangela Smith scored 17 points, but Ticha Penicheiro was just five for 17 from the field.

It's Williams first year with Indiana, and she and her teammates are beginning to get comfortable.

``We're finally getting used to each other,'' said Williams. ``We have a great inside game because we have great outside shooters.''

The Fever hit six of 17 three-pointers, and are leading the league in accuracy from beyond the arc. Indiana also dominated the boards, outrebounding Sacramento 43-31.

``I've been working hard on getting more rebounds,'' said Williams.

Indiana used an 11-2 run to close the first half to take a 30-29 lead at the intermission.

In the second half the Fever scored 10 straight to go ahead 61-55.

The Monarchs got within three with 5:26 left, but Brown had six points down the stretch to seal the victory.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)