Analysis: Players of note, questions, final thought after Purdue women's basketball defeats Indiana State
Abbey Ellis poured in 28 points and Sophie Swanson added 10 points off the bench as the Boilermakers head to Christmas break
The early start equaled early points for the Purdue women’s basketball team, which pulled away in the second half to roll past Indiana State 79-63 on Wednesday at Mackey Arena.
The Boilermakers snapped a two-game losing streak and head to the Christmas break with some momentum. When they return, Big Ten action resumes on Dec. 30 against Wisconsin.
Katie Gearlds presented Tim Newton, the radio voice for the program, the game ball after calling his 1,000th game.
3 PLAYERS OF NOTE
• Abbey Ellis. The “Aussie” will spend the holiday break with a teammate or two and enjoy Christmas with her family via FaceTime, opening presents thanks to cellphone technology. Ellis made sure it would be a Happy Christmas with a resounding 28-point performance, including three 3-pointers and 9 of 11 from the line. Her energy was noticeable and carried through the roster as the Boilermakers jumped out to a double-digit lead. Ellis, who wore an Australian Christmas sweater in the postgame press conference, was lethal in transition, setting up teammates and making the extra pass to give the offense the best scoring opportunities. She was aggressive off the dribble, challenging ISU’s defense and drawing seven fouls. Ellis also had four steals to spark the defense. Her streak of 10 straight double-figure scoring games was snapped at Notre Dame but Ellis quickly bounced back.
Photo: Abbey Ellis wearing her Christmas sweater
• Sophie Swanson. The fact that the freshman is playing 14 meaningful minutes 10 months after ACL surgery is somewhat remarkable. But maybe not, given today’s medical environment combined with a tremendous work ethic gives Swanson a chance to contribute to this year’s team. And likely play a significant role. At least that’s the goal. Swanson can shoot and isn’t afraid to step up and contribute offensively, and that’s what the Boilermakers need from the bench. It’s no secret the offense has struggled in the five losses and the confidence Swanson gained Wednesday should provide a spark or two during the Big Ten season. Swanson, combined with the production from Rashunda Jones when she returns, gives Purdue some much-needed offense outside of the starters.
BOX SCORE: Purdue 79, Indiana State 63
• Madison Layden: Set the tone from the opening tip. Layden was aggressive, hitting a 3-pointer 11 seconds into the game, and she continued to attack the basket from the perimeter. Layden didn’t hesitate when the ball found her and let it fly. She didn’t make them all, and that’s OK, but Layden needs to be the aggressor on the offensive end to help push this offense forward but also to inspire confidence in her teammates. She didn’t pass up open looks and that trend should continue when the Big Ten season resumes. The Boilermakers need Layden, not necessarily to carry the team, but to be a consistent factor at both ends of the floor to help this program take another step forward during the conference season.
Photo: Purdue freshman Sophie Swanson (Dave Wegiel Photography)
2 QUESTIONS
• Could Jones return to the lineup after missing the last four games when the Badgers visit Mackey Arena?
• Did the nonconference schedule prepare the Boilermakers for the next 17 Big Ten games?
1 FINAL THOUGHT
It’s all conference games when Purdue returns from break, and this is the most important part of the schedule. Lessons need to be learned from the lopsided losses to UCLA and Notre Dame and the painful defeat to Minnesota. Even the close setbacks to Florida and Georgia should help guide the Boilermakers over the next two months. But there’s lessons from the victories over Texas A&M, at Dayton and the perfect record at home. How does Gearlds make sure her players understand what happened but also the reasons why they happened? Granted, this team is limited in some areas but has proven it can overcome the deficiencies to remain in the middle of the conference race. The Boilermakers have strengths and need to lean on those traits as much as possible and not let the weaknesses dictate how this season plays out. No one expects Purdue to challenge for the league title, but it’s important to see progress from year to year and move up the standings. The next two games – Wisconsin and Rutgers, both at home – give the Boilermakers a chance to make that climb.