Indiana University Athletics
No. 12 Boilers Too Much (2-27-03)
2/27/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
February 27, 2003
Purdue Keeps Barn Burner Trophy After Ousting Hoosiers, 74-48
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Indiana University women's basketball team dropped a 74-48 decision to arch rival Purdue in front of 9,819 fans at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind., Thursday night.
Despite an impressive defensive attack in the first half, which only left the Hoosiers trailing by six points at halftime, 30-24, Indiana (11-14, 4-11) could not stay close with the No. 10/11 Boilermakers in the final 20 minutes.
"We got worn down tonight," said Indiana head coach Kathi Bennett. "I thought that in the first half we missed our share of opportunities. We got to the rim and the shots were there, they just didn't fall. But when it starts to get away from us, we need to come together. We didn't do that tonight and that needs to start happening."
Purdue (22-5, 11-4) made 22 field goals against the Hoosiers Thursday, but clearly built its second-half lead on free throws. The Boilermakers made 15-of-15 free throws in the second half to finish an impressive 27-of-31 from the line.
Hoosier sophomore Jenny DeMuth and Purdue's Erika Valek led all scorers with 15 points. Shereka Wright added 14 points, while Lindsey Hicks had 11 for the Boilers.
The majority of DeMuth's 15 points came from the free throw line, as the Highland, Ind., native was 8-of-12. Freshmen Cyndi Valentin and Angela Hawkins each finished with 10 points.
Indiana is now just 2-8 all-time in the battle for the Barn Burner trophy, and just 1-5 while at West Lafayette.
The Hoosiers also drop half a point in the Titan Series battle with the loss Thursday. Indiana still holds a 5.5-4.5 advantage over the Boilers.
Throughout the game, Purdue attacked the Hoosiers with a very effective press defense, forcing 19 turnovers for IU, which according to Bennett, really took its toll.
"Their press physically wore us down. They put it on early and affected our movement, our shooting, and we couldn't get to the rim," she said. "The press definitely had an effect on us tonight."
One brighter note for the Hoosiers was that for the first time since tearing her ACL in mid-December, Kali Kullberg suited up for the game. Although she did not play, the Hoosiers have been pleased with the recovery process and her rehabilitation of the young freshman.
Indiana will regroup and battle the Fighting Illini of Illinois Sunday at Assembly Hall. The Hoosiers host the Senior Day game, which is scheduled for a 2:00 p.m. tip.
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