INDIANAPOLIS, July 16, 2006 (Ticker) -- All-Star Tamika Whitmore helped the Indiana Fever open their homestand on a positive note.

Whitmore had 22 points and three steals and fellow All-Star Tamika Catchings added 11, 10 rebounds and three blocks as the Fever held on for a 60-56 triumph over the Houston Comets.

Indiana shot 41 percent (23-of-56) from the field and forced 16 turnovers in the opener of five straight games here. The Fever (8-1) remained just one of two clubs with only one loss at home.

NBA TV highlights from Comets-Fever: Play

Whitmore converted a three-point play, Ebony Hoffman hit a baseline jumper and Tan White scored on a driving layup as the Fever built a 53-46 advantage with 3:14 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Comets rookie Mistie Williams registered her first career double-double when she scored on a floater in the lane 25 seconds later, cutting the deficit to 53-50. The former Duke star collected 11 points and 12 rebounds.

However, Indiana ended any chance of a comeback by knocking down numerous key free throws over the final minutes to seal the win.

Reigning MVP and five-time All-Star Sheryl Swoopes scored 15 points and Tamecka Dixon contributed 14 for Houston, which shot 36 percent (22-of-60) in falling to 2-7 in its last nine road games.

Next Games: The Indiana Fever host the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, July 18 at 1 p.m. ET, and the Houston Comets play at the Silver Stars on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.