Purdue Women best Rutgers in OT

After pretty much blowing it at the end of regulation Purdue buckled down to earn the win in OT. Dominque McBryde and April Wilson were clutch for the Boilers scoring all 13 points for the team. McBrdye gave Purdue the lead initially which they later forfeited to Rutgers, 64-63. Another Rutgers basket put them up three. The Scarlet Knights then missed two free throws failing to extend their lead and Purdue took advantage. McBryde scored and April Wilson came up with a steal on defense. Rutgers fouled her and she hit two free throws to give Purdue the lead for good. With 46 seconds left a three-point play from McBryde pushed the lead to four. Rutgers drew within two with 32.6 left but Wilson iced it from the free throw line hitting four free throws as Purdue won 74-68.

Rutgers came out in a press in the second half and Purdue was rattled. The Boilers only turned it over three times, but they never were able to settle down in their offense as Rutgers outscored them 25-13 in the third quarter. Rutgers pushed the pace and the Boilers could not keep up. The Scarlet Knights held a five point lead with 1:33 left in the third quarter. Purdue cut it to three before the buzzer. The Boilers came out hot in the fourth quarter going on a 13-4 run to get the lead back. The Scarlet Knights cut the lead to one with their only three-pointer of the night with 23 seconds left. Rutgers fouled Bridget Perry and she hit both giving Purdue a three point advantage with 18 seconds left. Purdue didn't foul and Rutgers put up a shot. Purdue failed to box out and Rachel Hollivay grabbed the rebound got the putback basket and the harm. Hollivay hit the free throw tying the score at 61 with 7.5 left. Ashley Morrissette's layup missed for Purdue.

In the early going both teams roughed each other up on defense. Down 6-4 with 4:17 left in the first quarter Purdue scored on five of their final six possessions. Ashley Morrissette was able to shake off her defender scoring six of Purdue's ten as they went up 14-8. Both teams were 6-for-12 in the second quarter as they adjusted to the defensive intensity. Dominique McBryde was fouled right before the end of half and hit both free throws to put Purdue on top 29-20.

Dominque McBrdye finished with 23 points, 10-12 shooting, 3-for-3 from the line, five rebounds, and five blocks. After being shut out in the first half April Wilson finished with 15 points, 8-for-10 from the line, 9 assists, and 3 steals. Ashley Morrissette poured in 17 points to go with six assists. Bree Horrocks reached double digits with 10 points and five rebounds.

Tyler Scaife led Rutgers with 23 points. Kahleah Cooper finished with 22 points and seven rebounds. Rachel Hollivay posted 15 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Briyona Canty dished 12 assists to go with seven rebounds and four steals.

Purdue outshot Rutgers 43%-48%, but they got killed on the boards 45-31; the Scarlet Knights had 19 offensive rebounds. Purdue did however win the turnover battle 13-15.