Indiana 66, San Antonio 53

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Fever's defense went through an extreme makeover in a matter of days.

The Fever recovered from their worst loss of the season with their largest victory margin, beating the San Antonio Silver Stars 66-53 Thursday night.

Indiana lost by 21 points at Minnesota on Tuesday, but bounced back by allowing its lowest point total of the season.

``We got back to it after the Minnesota game,'' Indiana coach Brian Winters said. ``Tonight we pressured people. Our bread and butter is defense.''

Jurgita Streimikyte led the Fever with 14 points, and Indiana is 4-1 since inserting her into the starting lineup.

Indiana (12-7) led by as many as 12 points on the way to a 31-24 halftime lead.

San Antonio (5-16) started the second half on a 7-2 run that trimmed Indiana's lead to 33-31, but the Fever responded with a 15-4 run to gain control.

``I thought we did a good job cutting it to two points,'' San Antonio coach Dan Hughes said. ``Indiana is a good defensive team. We just didn't take care of the basketball.''

Tamika Catchings, the WNBA's player of the week, was held scoreless in the first half and finished with five points and six rebounds on her 26th birthday. The Fever improved to 5-0 this season when Catchings scores fewer than 10 points.

Catchings might have had trouble coming down to Earth after receiving a ring in a ceremony before the game representing her winning a 2004 Olympic gold medal.

``Getting that ring was a dream come true,'' she said. ``It recalls that moment when we won. It seems like it just happened. Still hard to believe I was in the Olympics, and then winning the gold on top of that.''

Natalie Williams added 12 points and eight rebounds and reserve Kelly Schumacher had 11 points for Indiana.

Marie Ferdinand led San Antonio with 14 points and Shannon Johnson added 11. The Silver Stars had 22 turnovers and took 21 fewer shots than the Fever.