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WNBA Connecticut Sun

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July 6, 2004 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Connecticut Sun News Release


Game Previews

Tuesday, July 6 vs. Indiana

Connecticut faces off against the Indiana Fever at 7 p.m. at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Both teams start the day tied for first in the Eastern Conference with 9-7 records. The Sun won the first meeting of the year between the two teams in Indiana on June 22nd, 63-58 behind Taj McWilliams-Franklin's 18 points and season high 14 rebounds. Connecticut is 5-4 at home this year and has won five in a row. Friday, July 9 vs. Sacramento

The Sacramento Monarchs visit Connecticut for the only time this season looking to avenge the loss to the Sun back on June 12th in Sacramento, 83-76. The Monarchs have improved their record lately, winning 3 in a row before falling in their last game. They are currently 6-8 and in sixth place in the Western Conference. In their only other visit to the Mohegan Sun Arena, Sacramento lost 69-67 to the Sun on July 4th, 2003.

Sunday, July 11 @ Indiana

For the second time this week two teams tied for first place will face off. This will mark the third time that these teams will play this year with the fourth and final game ending the regular season on September 19th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. This game starts a dreadful road trip where the Sun has to play 5 games in 11 days. New Sun Players Surging

Connecticut is currently playing their best basketball of the year, with all of the off-season acquisitions finally fitting together. The number one draft pick of the Sun (4th overall), Lindsay Whalen has come into her own as of late, racing to the top of the league in assists, while setting several Sun records along the way. During the current five game win streak, Whalen has 42 assists, which is a team record for a five game stretch. Whalen also has the most assists in 3 and 4 consecutive games, with 30 and 37, respectively. Also reached was the franchise mark for assists in a game when Whalen dished out 13 assists in Detroit on June 27th, which was only three off the league record of 16, held by Ticha Penicheiro. Connecticut has also gotten stellar contributions from rookies Jess Brungo (taken 16th in the draft), Candace Futrell (29th overall) and possibly the surprise of the rookie class thus far, Jen Derevjanik (undrafted).

Another key piece to the team's current success is the off-season trade that brought Asjha Jones back to Connecticut. The Sun were involved in a three-team trade where they gave up the 8th pick in the 2004 draft for Jones, who was formally the 4th overall selection of the 2002 draft. Asjha plays the role of the 6th man for the Sun, as Connecticut has a three-headed monster for a frontcourt comprised of Jones, the resurgent Wendy Palmer and the rock in the middle Taj McWilliams-Franklin. Asjha has been a consistent scorer for the Sun, especially in the end of games where she tends to get the nod over Palmer as of late. During the current five game win streak she has scored 51 points, hitting double figures in three of them and in the other two games, had 8 and 9 points.

Community Corner

Bud Light Charity Stripe Promotion - The Connecticut Sun and Bud Light are teaming up again this season to present the Bud Light Charity Nights on July 6th & 9th at Mohegan Sun Arena. On these nights, the Sun on behalf of Bud Light will hold a silent auction on the concourse. All proceeds generated from the Bud Light Charity Stripe auctions will benefit the Girls Incorporated.

Fans will have the opportunity to bid on autographed Sun merchandise, and a one of a kind experience trip for two to New York City to see the WNBA All-Stars take on the USA Olympic Team. Girls Incorporated is a national nonprofit youth organization dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With roots dating to 1864, Girls Inc has provided vital educational programs to millions of American girls, particularly those in high-risk, underserved areas. Today, innovative programs help girls confront subtle societal messages about their value and potential, and prepare them to lead successful, independent, and fulfilling lives. For more information about Girls Inc., visit girlsinc.org

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