Purdue WBB: Boilers 47, Valparaiso 52

Purdue’s second game of the season was supposed to be played against Miami (Ohio), but a positive test out of the RedHawks program scratched those plans. Instead, they fell at the hands of the Valparaiso Crusaders by a score of 52-47. This comes following the men’s squad besting Valparaiso this past Friday.

The Boilermakers started ice cold to begin the game falling behind 11-4 after the first quarter and shooting just 2-11 from the field. This was a consistent theme throughout the first half in particular for both squads. Purdue had upperclassmen Kayana Traylor, Fatou Diagne and Auburn transfer Bria Moore to help keep them afloat with the rest of the team struggling mightily.

More notably, Purdue did not make a three point attempt in the first half. Good news for Sharon Versyp, the Crusaders shot only 33% in the half and were plagued by 11 turnovers which allowed the Boilermakers to cling onto a one point lead at the break.

Valparaiso started to warm up in the second half as they jumped out on a 10-4 run to make their lead 27-22 with 4:16 left in the third quarter. Purdue made a short run in their own right then Valparaiso started to run away with the game thanks in part to senior Grace White’s solid play.

Taking a 32-27 lead into the fourth quarter, Valparaiso really started to put it on the Boilermakers as they extended the lead to 9 with 5:18 left in the game. Both teams found an offensive groove in the final quarter, led by Kayana Traylor, Purdue started to mount a comeback when they cut the lead to one with 1:28 to go.

Although this team showed some grit down the stretch, it was too little too late for the Boilermakers as Valparaiso had an answer for each basket.

Purdue ended the game shooting only 27% from the field, and a rough 0-15 from three point range which proved to be detrimental for the Boilermakers.

A couple of bright spots for the team were Kayana Traylor who posted 15 points on 5-11 shooting and 8 rebounds. Boilermaker newcomer Bria Moore also faired well in her second game inside Mackey as she had 10 points on 5-12 shooting. Also, Tamara Farquhar struggled shooting going 2-11 but did end up with 7 points and a game high 14 rebounds.

Purdue fans understand this team will struggle after losing Karissa McLaughlin, Dominique Oden and Ae’Rianna Harris’ production on an already middle of the pack team last season. Losing to a Valparaiso team that nearly handed the game back is not a great look.

Sharon Versyp’s squad will look to bounce back this coming Wednesday inside Mackey Arena against the 2-1 Buffalo Bulls.