No. 18 Purdue Picked Up 2 Wins Before Christmas

Purdue managed to pick up win while in Green Bay, 49-45, and got another at home against Bowling Green, 57-48, before the Holiday. KK Houser provided big plays for Boilermakers in both games. April Wilson also played well in the two wins.

Against Green Bay, Purdue needed three free-throws from Houser in the last eleven seconds to seal the deal against the Phoenix. Purdue trailed at the half 20-18 but ran off ten straight points to open the second half. They stretched their lead to twelve but Green Bay came back. They were within three with 49 seconds left before Houser iced it.

Neither team shot the ball well; Purdue-35%, Green Bay 28%. Purdue overcame this by making 17 of 21 free throws while Green Bay missed their only attempt. Purdue also controlled the boards. Houser finished with 17 points, Wilson had 12, Courtney Moses 11, and Whitney Bays 10.

KK Houser was again the difference maker against Bowling Green. The game was tied at 23 at the half and was closely contested through the finish. Houser had timely assists and baskets to stretch the Purdue lead when the Falcons drew within three, 51-48, with under a minute to play.  Bridget Perry also hit two free-throws down the stretch to extend the lead.

Purdue defense was tough again, Bowling Green only shot 26% from the field and 10% from three-point range. Purdue was not as tough on the boards though as they lost the rebounding battle by 3. Houser certainly did her part as she finished with nine boards and thirteen points. Wilson was the leading scorer with 18. Liza Clemons and Courtney Moses each added 10.

The Boilermakers face Central Michigan on Saturday in their last tune-up before conference play. The Chips are 4-6. They lost to Notre Dame 106-72. They're led by guard Crystal Bradford who is averaging 21 points, she put up 30 against the Irish.