Freshman forward stands out in win

By Anne McLaren
Assistant Sports Editor

Freshman forward Lindsey Hicks showed why she was a perimeter player in high school during the Boilers’ 94-37 victory over Northwestern Sunday in Mackey Arena.

The 6-foot-1 Hicks, who played on the wing for Lebanon (Ohio) High School, scored a career-high 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting against the Wildcats (4-11, 0-5 Big Ten). Hicks hit 2 of 2 from behind the arc for the No. 6 Boilers (15-3, 5-0), who won their seventh straight.

"I guess post players aren’t supposed to be that good at 3-pointers, but it’s worked out for me so far," said Hicks. "When I get the ball at the top I think to shoot it before I pass or drive. The coaches have been telling me to shoot it when I get the ball up top. That’s what I’ve been doing and luckily it’s worked out for me."

Guard Kelly Komara, who wears the No. 3, was proud of Hurns’ performance from behind the 3-point line.

"I told Lindsey she should change her number to 3 and I’ll take No. 4," joked Komara. "She did a heck of a job (Sunday). Unbelievable. In practice she’s been doing that. So we always tell her, when it comes to a game, ‘Just hit it, hit it. Shoot it, shoot it.’ (Sunday) she just did what we told her and hit a bunch of good shots."

Coach Kristy Curry said she wants Hicks to shoot more.

"She does such a great job of shooting it," said Curry. "She’s really getting a feel for things. Her minutes have gone up because of her efforts and because simply she’s doing some good things when she gets her opportunity."

Hicks’ 21 minutes vs. Northwestern were also a career high.

"I finally got a chance to come in and play relaxed," she said. "A lot of times I go in with a couple minutes left in the game. You say to yourself, ‘What can I do in the two minutes left in the game?’ I was just happy to go and feel relaxed about it."

Assistant coach Kelly Curry said Hicks’ minutes have increased due to her improved efforts on the defensive end.

"She’s a great shooter of the basketball," said Kelly. "We knew that and she was in preseason. Where we had to get Lindsey is to the point defensively where she could come in and also contribute. She probably had the farthest to go of any of the freshmen defensively. But to her credit, she’s come in and worked hard and she’s gotten there.

"She’s going to see a lot more minutes with Mary Jo (Noon) going out. In the rotation, she’s going to mainly back up Shalicia (Hurns) now. We’ve been very pleased with how she’s responded."

Boilers outscore Wildcats

Foul trouble causes Boiler loss to Iowa

Freshman forward stands out in win

Performance pleases track coach

Open gives team confidence

Coach breaks record; team goes 3-0 at weekend meet

Swim team overcomes fatigue in win over Spartans

SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 251

Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Anne McLaren

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org