Purdue women's basketball 67, Miami (Ohio) 51: First thoughts
The Boilermakers overcame 25 turnovers but pulled away down the stretch to snap a two-game losing streak
Takeaways from Tuesday’s victory at Millett Hall.
—What put the Boilermakers over the top? Destini Lombard and Ellla Collier hit 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The RedHawks had cut a 13-point lead to one but Lombard and Collier delivered after the lead was cut to 44-43 early in the fourth quarter. The Boilermakers outscored Miami 28-14 in the final 5:31. Purdue was solid from beyond the arc, hitting 8 of 11. Lombard finished with 14, Collier had 12 and Reagan Bass scored 10, including six from the line, and pulled down 10 rebounds.
—Good minutes from Mahri Petree. She scored eight points and had three rebounds. Katie Gearlds kept Petree on the floor in the fourth quarter, trying to use her length to challenge Miami’s shooters. In fact, the four transfers - Petree, Bass, Collier and Lombard - pushed the Boilermakers to the finish line.
—The turnover count kept climbing. And climbing. And climbing. The Boilermakers committed 23 turnovers - that was through three quarters - the only reason this game was close heading into the final 10 minutes. Purdue had numerous opportunities to push the lead out but couldn’t hang onto the ball. The Boilermakers held a 39-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter but the lead should’ve double digits if not for the turnovers. Purdue finished with 25 but Miami scored just 16 points off those miscues.
—The turnovers came from just about everyone. Point guards. Post players. Forwards. No one was immune. Amiyah Reynolds struggled from the opening tip and couldn’t handle the physical play brought by the RedHawks. She played only two minutes. Destini Lombard, Ella Collier, Jordyn Poole, and Rashuna Jones took turns running the point. Purdue needed someone to take care of the ball.
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—Miami had improved its 3-point shooting since last season but was just 1 of 13 in the first half. The RedHawks started hitting after halftime. They made 8 of 18 to put pressure on the Boilermakers. Tamar Singer and Lakresha Edwards combined for five, and Enjulina Gonzalez made one, but was Miami’s offense most of the night, finishing with 18.
—Without Jones, the bus ride back to West Lafayette would’ve been longer than usual. Jones kept things together while the Boilermakers struggled to take care of the ball and defend the RedHawks on the 3-point line in the second half. Jones sat most of the fourth quarter after picking up her fourth foul. Jones totaled 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
—The long-awaited debut of freshman point guard Jordyn Poole happened Tuesday. Poole has been sidelined with a stress fracture in her lower leg since the summer and was cleared to practice about 10 days ago. Poole played six minutes and, as expected, was rusty. She’ll become more comfortable and will look better Saturday against Indiana State. She attempted a pair of midrange jumpers, which were short. If Poole can get the Boilermakers into the offense quicker, she’ll see plenty of action throughout the season.