Preview: Indiana State at Purdue women's basketball
The Boilermakers look to break a two-game losing streak before the Christmas break
It’s Education Day as busloads of elementary and middle school students create a constant buzzing sound throughout Mackey Arena as the Boilermakers host Indiana State.
It’s an early 11 a.m. start.
And then Purdue is off on Christmas break until returning next week to resume the Big Ten schedule on Dec. 30 against Wisconsin. But first, the Boilermakers must take care of the Sycamores.
Purdue and Indiana State have played one common opponent – Southeast Missouri State. Both teams beat the RedHawks.
PLAYER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Abbey Ellis: Had a streak of 10 straight games scoring in double figures snapped at Notre Dame. In fact, no one reached double figures in Sunday’s loss to the Irish. Ellis has been consistent in her scoring approach this season and Wednesday is a prime opportunity to start a new streak. With Rashunda Jones’ situation unclear, Ellis can spark the offense in transition and help find some easy baskets. She’s not afraid to shoot – and that’s been the message from Katie Gearlds the last couple of weeks. Too many turnovers have slowed the production on offense and shooting before turning it over is a simple, but effective approach for this team right now. Ellis’ 3-point shooting hasn’t reached her percentage from the last two seasons, and the Boilermakers need her to become more of a threat from beyond the arc.
Photo: Purdue’s Abbey Ellis (Dave Wegiel Photography)
PRESSING QUESTION
Can Jayla Smith give the offense a lift off the bench? She’s a combined 0-for-11 in the last two games when the Boilermakers needed a spark. Smith hasn’t been a great 3-point shooter in her career, but 1-for-16 is an extreme low. She was replaced in the starting lineup in the second game but hasn’t really responded to the change. In three of Purdue’s five losses, Smith has failed to hit a field goal, which is a disturbing trend. Smith was expected to take a big step coming into this season, maybe average double figures, but it hasn’t clicked. The offense has struggled against better competition, but the Boilermakers shouldn’t have a lot of trouble scoring against the Sycamores. Maybe Smith can put together a confidence-building game heading into the break.
KEEP AN EYE ON …
Jeanae Terry: With the lack of production from the offense, the Boilermakers need more scoring. Terry has the ball in her hands a lot and her first instinct is to pass and leave the shooting to her teammates. It resulted in a non-point double-double for the senior and she almost recorded another one at Minnesota. Terry needs to shoot more, especially when she’s inside the paint. She’s turning the ball over too much – 12 turnovers and 11 field goal attempts in the last two games – and that’s an alarming trend for a point guard. Terry shot 40% or better in her first two seasons but is just 11 of 42 – and 9 of 39 from 2-point range – through 11 games this year. If anything, Terry needs to be a threat as opponents are backing off, knowing scoring isn’t her first option. Over the last decade, the Boilermakers had too many players who didn’t look to score and that puts pressure on others to carry more of the load. Purdue needs to get away from that situation.
BOTTOM LINE
The offensive problems have come against the better teams on the schedule – UCLA, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, and Notre Dame. The Boilermakers totaled 72 points in the win over Texas A&M, but they’re averaging just 50.4 in the five losses. Purdue should find some success against Indiana State, which is allowing nearly 70 points, and opponents are shooting better than 40% from the field. The Boilermakers would like to take control early, dictate the terms of Wednesday’s game, and head into the extended time off with some confidence before Big Ten play starts back up.
WEDNESDAY’S GAME
Indiana State (4-5) at Purdue (6-5)
Time: 11 a.m.
TV: B1G+ (subscription required)
Radio: wbpefm.com