Women’s Basketball: Michigan 62, Purdue 49

Purdue’s losing streak has now reached four after a lopsided loss to #12 Michigan on Thursday evening by a score of 62-49.

It comes to no surprise that Purdue lost this ballgame to a very tough Michigan team, especially given the team’s recent struggles. After losing to the 2-11 Illinois Fighting Illini, the season was deemed by many as all but over for the Boilermakers.

Although Purdue was unable to get the win, they actually played fairly well during the first half in the loss against far and away the best team in the Big Ten. Throughout the first half, they did not lead at any point but were able to keep the game close even though their main contributors struggled mightily. Tamara Farquhar and Fatou Diagne combined for only 2 points and 6 rebounds, which is umm... not great from the senior tandem. The deficit was only 7 heading into the break.

The second half was a different story though. Michigan scored the first 11 points of the second half and looked to take full control of the game and push the lead to 18. Purdue then showed despite their struggles they still had some fight left, going on an 11-0 run of their own. The Wolverines proved to be just too much for the Boilermakers putting their foot on the gas down the stretch to break away with a win.

There were a few aspects of this game that were proved to be detrimental for the Boilermakers including yet another 20+ turnover game. The lack of ball security has been the biggest of a long list of issues for Purdue this year.

Another big tell of the game was rebounding as Purdue lost that advantage 39-18 in total and 15-1 on the offensive boards. Fans know this is not a very good team right now, but it they are levels below the top of the conference

With Karissa McLaughlin out for the rest of the season, freshman Madison Layden will have her opportunity to take control of this team in an expanded role and the future of the program. Layden finished with 13 points on 5-11 shooting from the field including three makes from behind the arc.

With this loss, the Boilermakers fall to 6-10 on the year. In all likelihood, this season is a lost cause and is not going to get any easier with the loaded Big Ten schedule similar to years past. Regardless, the downward spiral for Sharon Versyp continues and the end looks to be near for the longtime Purdue head coach.