Purdue women's basketball report: Stocking stuffers
What do the Boilermakers need to find in their stockings to push them through the Big Ten season
Merry Christmas.
What do the Boilermakers need to find in their Christmas stockings for a successful run in the Big Ten season, which resumes Sunday at Iowa? Some thoughts.
FEWER TURNOVERS
No more big turnover games. Purdue escaped Miami (Ohio) last week after committing 25 turnovers, thanks to a big fourth-quarter shooting. The Boilermakers have committed 20 or more turnovers four times and lost three games. They’re about to enter a portion of the schedule where careless mistakes will be magnified.
SCORING CHANCES FOR COLLIER
The Marian University transfer has demonstrated she’s one of the better shooters on the roster. She needs more opportunities. Collier has passed up numerous open looks as she looks for teammates, but Purdue needs her scoring punch. Collier has attempted double-digit field goals twice, and that number must increase. Collier’s at her best when coming off screens and has been consistent from the midrange area.
MORE FREE THROWS
The Boilermakers have attempted 20 or more free throws just once — the season opener against Purdue Fort Wayne. They rank next-to-last among conference teams in attempts and percentage. Improvement in those two areas is needed to increase the offensive output.
POINT GUARD SITUATION
If Amiyah Reynolds and Jordyn Poole can hold down the position, the Boilermakers can take a step forward. Both are inexperienced at the college level, but they’re probably the best options. Reynolds responded after a poor outing at Miami (Ohio) with a solid performance against Indiana State. That’s what Purdue needs to see against Big Ten teams. Reynolds has been good at getting the Boilermakers into their offense in halfcourt situations. Poole will make progress as her minutes increase. She’s played in two games after being sidelined with a stress fracture in her shin but has the skills and the knowledge to pick up things quickly. Her ability to get in the lane and either score or pass to the perimeter will continue to develop.
LOMBARD IN TRANSITION
Destini Lombard has been the most consistent player since Day 1. Her offense was a surprise at the beginning of the season, but now it’s expected. Lombard is shooting 40% from 3-point range and delivered some big shots from beyond the arc. But she can add more, especially in transition. Lombard doesn’t push the ball enough up the floor after she collects a defensive rebound. She has the speed to outrun defenders and reach the rim. Purdue needs to steal a handful of points every game, and Lombard can pull it off.
SCHEDULE
Unfortunately, not even Santa can change Purdue’s conference schedule. It started with Maryland, which was ranked No. 7 earlier this month, and continues with four consecutive games against ranked teams - Iowa, Michigan State, UCLA, and Michigan. The trip to Oregon and Washington takes place in mid-January before facing USC, Illinois, and Nebraska to end the month. If the Boilermakers can survive the next nine games, they can make a move in February. But how do they handle this brutal stretch?
SOPHIE BEING SOPHIE
Maybe Sophie Swanson’s 10 points, three assists, and two steals against Indiana State is a starting point for the sophomore. She’s struggled this season, losing her starting spot, but has shown signs of coming around recently. The offense needs her 3-point shooting to find a consistent level.
“It was much needed,” Swanson said. “I need to start playing with a chip on my shoulder and not let my misses affect the way I play, but just going into this break knowing what I can do as a player.”
FRESHMEN BIGS
Lana McCarthy and Kendall Puryear have shown progress but need to take a bigger step against league teams. It won’t be easy. The Big Ten has solid, experienced, and older post players, and McCarthy and Puryear will receive an education. It’s one, though, they’re eager to tackle. McCarthy must clean up the fouls to stay on the floor, and Puryear has given the Boilermakers solid minutes. Both will need to pick up the pace on the boards.
MORE DOUBLE-DOUBLES
For Reagan Bass. The transfer from Akron has posted back-to-back double-doubles against Indiana State and Miami, her third and fourth of the season. The Boilermakers will need similar production against Big Ten teams. Bass contributes in different areas, including eight assists in the last two games. She’s enjoyed most of her success inside, and that’s probably the best spot right now.
OFF THE BENCH
It takes awareness to understand roles. Rashunda Jones fits that description. Jones knows she’s better off the bench and prefers to continue in that role. Her play as a reserve is key since Jones can play multiple positions and fill in for nearly anyone on the perimeter. Her all-around game is operating at a high level, whether it’s points, rebounds, assists, or steals. Jones can provide a boost in transition similar to Lombard.
INCREASED MINUTES
Mahri Petree has earned more based on her last two games. She’s averaging eight points, making 6 of 8 field goals and no turnovers in 28 minutes. Petree can be inserted at different positions, and her length is an asset defensively. Expect to see more of Petree.