Nov 28, 2002
By MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Shereka Wright scored 19 points and No. 6 Purdue beat Savannah State 103-25 Thursday night for the largest victory margin in school history.
Wright became the fourth-fastest Purdue player to reach 1,000 career points when she scored on a baseline drive with 11:58 left. Wright, who was the only Purdue starter still on the court, was immediately replaced and did not return.
Wright was only part of the problem for Savannah State (0-3), a first-year Division I team that was overmatched from the start.
Purdue (3-0) built a 19-2 lead, forced 16 turnovers in the game's first 14 minutes and ended the opening half with a 49-14 lead.
The second half was no better for the Tigers. Purdue opened on an 11-0 run and increased its lead to 60 midway through the second half. Things got so bad that Tigers guard Renee Williams drove the baseline and slammed the side of her head into the padded area on the basket support. She bounced off, rubbing her jaw.
Five Purdue players reached double figures, including Beth Jones with 12 points and Mary Jo Noon with 11.
Savannah State was paced by Renee Williams, who scored 14 points off the bench.
Purdue's largest previous margin was a 65-point win over Ball State on Dec. 10, 1994. It marked the first time Purdue scored 100 points at home since 1995.
The Boilermakers face Texas Christian (2-1) in the championship game of the WBCA/Basketball Travelers Classic on Friday night. Savannah State plays Holy Cross (1-2) in the consolation game.