The Indiana Fever concluded their 2026 preseason schedule with a commanding performance against the Nigerian national team on Saturday, May 2, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana established a massive 70-29 lead by halftime, fueled by high-efficiency shooting and the return of key starters to the rotation.
Injury concerns regarding Caitlin Clark were dismissed as she started the game alongside Aliyah Boston, who made her preseason debut following an injury during Unrivaled play. Ty Harris also returned to action, though the Fever remained without Lexie Hull and Justine Pissott due to leg injuries.
Indiana’s offense operated with precision, shooting 71% from the field during the first two quarters. Kelsey Mitchell led the scoring effort with 14 points, while Clark contributed 10 points and three assists before the break. The defensive unit forced 13 Nigerian turnovers, leading to a 38-11 scoring run in the second quarter alone.
Aliyah Boston recorded four points and six assists in her first minutes of the year, providing a stabilizing presence in the paint. However, the Fever roster faced a new setback when Monique Billings suffered an ankle injury in the first half; team officials confirmed she would not return to the game after scoring seven points.
Nigeria struggled to find offensive rhythm against the Fever’s transition defense, shooting just 31% from the floor. The visiting squad featured WNBA veterans Amy Okonkwo and Ezinne Kalu, but they could not stop an early 8-0 Indiana run that pushed the lead to 22 points early in the second period.
Raven Johnson provided a significant spark off the bench, tallying five points, three rebounds, and a block in the opening quarter. The Fever’s dominant showing serves as the final tune-up before they open the regular season against the Dallas Wings on May 9.
