Jan. 6, 2005
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Sports Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Emily Heikes and Katie Gearlds each scored 11 points, and No. 24 Purdue used an overwhelming advantage at the free throw line and stifling defense to beat Indiana 54-31 on Thursday night.
The Boilermakers (9-4, 2-1 Big Ten) went more than 8 minutes in the first half and more than 9 minutes in the second without a field goal, but got to the foul line often enough to hold off the pesky Hoosiers (7-6, 0-3), who set a school record for fewest points in a game.
Purdue was 18-for-25 from the line, while Indiana was just 6-for-10.
In a sloppy, defensive game, Purdue shot 39.5 percent from the field, which was more than enough against Indiana.
The Hoosiers made just 19 percent of their field goals, and many of their attempts on open layups and jumpers were not even close. Their previous low for points was 33 against William Penn in 1976-77.
Indiana was led by Angela Hawkins' eight points.
Purdue went nearly 10 minutes without a field goal in the second half, but thanks to tough defense and Indiana's offensive ineptitude, the Boilermakers were able to extend their lead by shooting 7-for-12 from the line.
Sharika Webb started an 11-2 run with a 3-pointer, and Lindsey Wisdom-Hylton got two layups, the last giving Purdue a 50-29 lead with just under 4 minutes to play.
The Hoosiers scored just three points in the final 10 minutes to lose their fourth straight game.
The Boilermakers got on a roll to start the game, outscoring Indiana 12-2 in the first 5 minutes.
Heikes, who had 11 rebounds, scored six points during the spurt for Purdue, which used an 11-0 run minutes later to take a commanding 23-5 lead.
The Hoosiers were reeling, making just two of their first 20 shots. But they used a stingy fullcourt press to harass the Purdue ballhandlers and get back in the game.
The Boilermakers made just one field goal in the final 8:21 of the first half, getting outscored 12-4 to take a 27-20 lead at halftime.