HOOSIERS DOMINATE THIRD QUARTER AND WIN AT SOLD OUT MACKEY ARENA.
by: Shawn Martin/Senior Writer
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
The fifth ranked Excel H Sports, Indiana Hoosiers (22-1, 12-1) used a dominating 19-2 scoring advantage in the third quarter to open up a competitive game and beat their in-state rival 69-42 in front of 14,876 fans in Mackey Arena. It was the largest crowd to ever watch a Women’s basketball game at Purdue.
Cold shooting by the Boilermakers after the teams returned to Keady Court after halftime discussions – one made field goal attempt out of 17 shots – doomed the Boilers, who have been especially hot lately with impressive wins on the road at Top 25 Illinois and at #2 Ranked Ohio State in the last ten days.
Hoosiers coach Teri Moren is in her 9th season at the helm in Bloomington and is a 1992 Purdue graduate and point guard for Hall of Fame coach Lin Dunn (who was present and introduced to the crowd during the first half). IU is a balanced, experienced, and talented team that made it to the Sweet Sixteen in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
Indiana jumped out to an early 7-0 lead in the opening minutes of the game, then Purdue settled down and scored five quick points of their own to ignite the crowd. From there through the end of the first half, the two teams played fairly even.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
Purdue took the lead in the game by capping a 9-0 run with a basket to go up 15-14 followed with another bucket to record their largest lead – 17-14 – with 7:52 left in the second quarter. IU would methodically take a 31-26 lead into halftime.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
Then the pivotal third quarter happened.
Lasha Petree led Purdue (15-7, 6-6) with 13 points while Abbey Ellis had 10.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
Four Indiana players scored in double figures led by MacKenzie Holmes, Hamilton Southeastern graduate, Sydney Parrish, who had 15 points each. Sara Scalia matched her uniform number with 14 points, while Chloe Moore-McNeil added 13.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
“The walk down the tunnel, it gave me chills” Gearlds said referring to the electric atmosphere in Mackey Arena for the game. “I wish I had been out there when our team ran onto the floor for warm-ups to Hail Purdue. Because I remember what it was like as a player to have that moment – never in front of 14,876 – but I’m so thankful to our students, to our fans. Obviously, Indiana travels very well.
photo by: Anthony Harper/Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network
“This is what our game is supposed to look like,” she said. “This is it. This is why I am here. This is what we’re about.”
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