Purdue Women Drop Conference Opener Against Buckeyes

Purdue was looking to go a month without a loss and instead they started the new year in the losing column. Purdue lost to Ohio State in Columbus 89-78. The Buckeyes out shot the Boilers and controlled the second half en route to their 11 point victory.

Purdue(10-3) started the game well. The teams exchanged the lead throughout the half til a 10-2 run gave Purdue an 8 point lead with 6:07 left in the half. Purdue shot 47% from the field and led at the break 39-37.

Ohio State started their surge in the second half at the free throw line. They hit 9 of 10 free throws as they gained the lead from Purdue. The Boilers were able to tie the game at 48 but they weren't able to threaten Ohio State's lead there after. Ohio State even stretched the lead to 16 with 7:25 left. The Boilers didn't get closer than eight the rest of the way. Ohio State shot 70% from the field in the second half.

The loss was the product of costly mistakes and hot shooting on behalf of the Buckeyes. Purdue committed 17 turnovers which the Buckeyes turned into 25 points; KK Houser and April Wilson both had six turnovers apiece.

Houser did manage to score 26 points in the contest; she hit seven 3's. Whitney Bays added 16 and Courtney Moses had 13.

The Monday night game against IU was postponed because of the snow storm. Purdue next travels to Northwestern to take on the Wildcats on Thursday night. Northwestern is 10-4 and just barely lost to No. 18 Nebraska in Lincoln. They're led by  freshman McDonald's All-American Nia Coffey who is averaging 15 points a game. Sunday Purdue takes on Penn State and Maggie Lucas. The Lady Lions are 10-3 and Lucas is averaging 21 points a game.