Nov. 14, 2004
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Two down, 27 to go. The Purdue women's basketball team concluded its exhibition season Sunday, with a 60-39 win over BK Poprad of Slovakia in Mackey Arena. The Boilermakers now turn their attention to their 27-game regular-season schedule that will begin at home against IPFW on Nov. 21.
Purdue overwhelmed BK Poprad at the start, jumping out to a 19-0 lead. The Slovakians did not light up their side of the scoreboard until the 12:41 mark, on a layup by Michaela Gulova.
Despite the strong start, the Boilermakers sputtered offensively once BK Poprad began to find its offensive groove. The Old Gold and Black saw its 19-point lead dip to 11 while the Slovakians went on a 10-2 run.
Purdue managed to outscore BK Poprad 13-7 as the first half came to a close, and took a 34-17 advantage at intermission.
By the 15:51 mark of the second half, the Boilermakers had increased their lead to 19 once more, and four minutes later owned a 27-point edge, their largest of the game. For the final 14:49, Purdue never let its lead go below 20 points.
The win by the Boilermakers was their 23rd straight in a preseason exhibition game. Sixth year head coach Kristy Curry saw her preseason exhibition record improve to 12-0.
Freshman Tye Jackson led Purdue with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field. The rookie from Houston was 4 for 6 from three-point range.
Joining Jackson in double-figures was freshman Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton, who finished with 12 points.
Junior Aya Traore added nine points and a game-high nine rebounds.
Jackson said she felt more at ease in her second preseason exhibition game, after scoring nine points in her first.
"This week I felt a lot more comfortable," Jackson said. "Last week I was thinking too much and worried about making a mistake. Although I was still nervous, today I came out ready to play."
Wisdom-Hylton thought the difference between the first and second exhibition games was patience.
"This week we were more relaxed, slowed down the offense, and got good shots," Wisdom-Hylton said.
Curry said Jackson and Wisdom-Hylton are two of a handful of players who are beginning to separate themselves from the pack of potential contributors.
"I think we have a lot of people who are distinguishing themselves and helping this team," Curry said.
Sophomore All-America candidate Katie Gearlds did not play. Senior Emily Heikes played just seven minutes, scoring four points.
The Boilermakers went to the free throw line 20 times, but converted just nine attempts. In their two preseason exhibition victories this season, Purdue shot 27 for 48 from the stripe (.563).
Purdue outrebounded BK Poprad 48-33, and committed four fewer turnovers (18-22).
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