Balance, depth lead to win over Gophers

By Anne McLaren
Assistant Sports Editor

Purdue’s depth was too much for Minnesota as the Gophers fell behind midway through the first half and could not catch up.

The No. 6 Boilers won their 10th straight contest, 86-61, in front of a sparse crowd of 913 in the Sports Pavilion Thursday night. Minnesota fell to 8-10 (1-6 Big Ten).

Camille Cooper led five double figure scorers for Purdue (18-3, 8-0) with 17 points. Katie Douglas added 12 points, a game-high seven rebounds and four assists. Freshman point guard Erika Valek also added 12 points and a career-high seven steals. Fellow freshman Shalicia Hurns tallied 12 as well.

Freshman Beth Jones added 10 for Purdue while Shereka Wright scored nine points and distributed eight assists, as the Boiler bench outscored the Gopher bench 31-20.

"The bench did a great job," said Purdue coach Kristy Curry in her postgame radio interview. "They definitely were the turning point. I think (Shinika) Parks and Wright both gave us a huge spark."

The Gophers jumped out early as the Boilers didn’t hit a field goal in the first five minutes. Nine early points by freshman Lindsey Whalen helped to give the Gophers their last lead at 17-15. Whalen finished with 13 while Ozlem Piroglu led the Gophers with 14.

"I was very displeased there in the first half," said Curry. "We just didn’t do a very good job defensively."

But after Curry called a timeout, Purdue settled down and went on a 17-0 run. The Boilers led 37-22 at halftime.

In the first half, Purdue shot just 36 percent (12 of 33) from the floor and 65 percent (13 of 20) from the free throw line.

"I thought the first 10 minutes of the game we missed some easy shots and kind of got our dauber down," said Curry.

But the Boiler defense in the latter part of the first half forced Minnesota into 14 first half turnovers and 22 for the game. Conversely, Purdue turned the ball over a season-low seven times.

With Purdue leading 42-27 two minutes into the second half, the Boilers went on to score 10 unanswered points on four points from Douglas and six from Cooper. Minnesota could get no closer than 22.

Jones scored all 10 of her points consecutively for Purdue, on two 3-pointers followed by four free throws late in the second half.

"We want her to come in and look for her shot," said Curry. "She really did a good job doing that. She really did a good job at the foul line. I’m real proud of her. There’s no question that she’s in a role right now and is getting better daily and has a bright, bright future."

Purdue vs. Wisconsin

At 2 p.m. On Sunday, Purdue hosts Wisconsin (12-6, 6-2), who beat Illinois 73-65 Thursday. The Badgers have won six of their last seven games.

"We have to understand that just because we’re at home, that doesn’t give us anything," said Curry. "We’re going to have to earn everything we get. We’re going to have to defend our home court. We’re still taking it one game at a time. It’s nothing but Wisconsin now."

The Badgers are the first opponent the Boilers face the second time around. On Dec. 28, Purdue traveled to Madison, Wisc., and won 70-58. Kelly Komara led the Boilers in the balanced scoring effort with 12 points.

"We need to pack Mackey and send Wisconsin back north with a loss," said Curry.

Alumnae Game

Before Sunday’s game and before the Super Bowl, the annual alumnae game will be played. Approixmately 30 former players will be in attendance for the contest, which starts at noon. Doors will open at 11:30 a.m.

Notable formers players taking part include Stephanie (White) McCarty, Ukari Figgs, Joy Holmes-Harris, Michelle (Duhart) Robinson, Mackenzie Curless, Melina Griffin, Lisa Jahner-Cole and Jane (Calhoun) Schott.

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

Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editor:
Anne McLaren

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