Nov. 18, 2010
Photo Gallery 
Box Score 
// Game Notes // Final Stats
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue Boilermakers never trailed as they knocked off South Dakota State 73-40 to advance to the Preseason WNIT finals for the third time in program history.
Junior guard Brittany Rayburn had the hot hand early for Purdue as she made her first five shots including knocking down her 100th career three-pointer. She was fouled on the shot which set up a four-point play and sparked a 19-5 run over a span of 6:33 to push the Boilermakers' lead to 35-16. Rayburn scored eight of the 19 points in the run and junior guard Antionette Howard chipped in seven. Howard and Rayburn combined to score 27 of Purdue's 37 first half points on 11 of 13 shooting from the floor.
Purdue's defense was equally as tough. The Boilermakers held the Jackrabbits to six field goal in the half and allowed only one made field goal in the first 10. South Dakota State shot just 31.6 percent and committed 13 turnovers in the first period. Purdue shot a scorching 57.1 percent in the first half and 54.7 percent for the game. It is the second time in three games that the Boilermakers shot above 50 percent from the field.
The Boilermakers took complete control of the game in the second half as they opened with a 27-7 run. The run, which featured scoring from eight different players, was led by junior Drey Mingo who scored 10 points in the stretch. Mingo was the second leading scorer with 17 points. Rayburn finished with a game-high 19.
Howard added 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals for Purdue. Led by Howard and Mingo, the Boilermakers outscored the Jackrabbits 48 to 16 in points in the paint. Freshman Dee Dee Williams played the best game of her young career as she totaled career-highs in rebounds with six and assists with five.
Purdue's defense was equally as tough in the second half as it again gave up just 20 points. The Boilermakers held South Dakota State to just 36 percent shooting in the half and 34.1 percent for the game.
The Jackrabbits had two players reach double figures. Freshman guard Megan Waytashek led the way with 13 points and junior guard Jill Young added 12.
The win improves the Boilermakers to 3-0 and they will play host to DePaul in the finals of the Preseason WNIT. The game will be Sunday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. in Mackey Arena. The game is not part of the season ticket package but fans can purchase tickets at the Athletic Ticket Office in teh IAF, by calling 800-49-SPORT or at purduesports.com.