Purdue women's basketball Tuesday report: 3 things to know
What happened down the stretch against the Golden Gophers, a fiery halftime speech and practice schedule during final exams
Three things to know about the Purdue women’s basketball team for Tuesday:
LAST PLAY AT MINNESOTA
During her radio show Monday night, Katie Gearlds discussed the last play where the Boilermakers had a turnover and foul, leading to the Golden Gophers posting a 60-58 victory Sunday.
Purdue had the ball in a tie game with 13 seconds on the clock.
“The last thing we said to them was, ‘Make sure we take the last shot. Don’t give them an opportunity,” Gearlds told veteran radio legend Tim Newton. “I thought we got the look that we wanted. A little safe inbounds play; get the ball to Abbey Ellis).
“(Sophie) Hart was on (Mary Ashley Stevenson) and it was pin down for Madison (Layden) into a ball screen and we thought we could really … the way Hart guards ball screens, (she) sinks in drop coverage and we thought we could get Mads a look who was really good in the third quarter.
“Everybody did what we were supposed to do until we didn’t shoot it, and the rest is kind of history.”
Photo: Purdue’s Katie Gearlds talks to associate head coach Kelly Komara (Dave Wegiel Photography)
Layden dribbled toward the corner and attempted a one-handed, cross-court pass intended for Jeanae Terry. However, Amaya Battle intercepted the pass and Terry was called for a foul with 3.0 seconds to play.
“(Official) Angie (Enlund) was in front our bench and Sophie Hart is trying to call a timeout but (official Michael) McConnell was around the corner, and he sees JT. JT is trying to get in for a jump ball,” Gearlds explained. “We obviously have to be smarter in those situations, and you would think a senior and a fifth-year senior making those plays, but unfortunately for us, it ended that way, but that’s not why we lost.”
Battle made both free throws and all the Boilermakers could do was throw up a desperation heave as time expired.
HALFTIME TALK
Gearlds pointed to the first half where the Boilermakers were stagnant on offense, allowed 12 offensive rebounds and lost track of star guard Mara Braun, who hit three 3-pointers, as the Gophers led by seven at the break.
Purdue was lethargic in the first half, evident by the rebounding numbers, and Minnesota was getting the shots it wanted since it attempted 41 field goals in the first 20 minutes. The Boilermakers had turnover issues but the lack of energy and desire didn’t sit well with the third-year coach.
“That first half, Minnesota wanted it more than what we did and that was disheartening,” Gearlds said. “I don’t think that’s our ballclub, that hasn’t been our ballclub and it was for that first half.”
At halftime, Gearlds had a spirited, one-sided conversation with her team.
“Did you hear me? I laid in pretty good,” Gearlds told Newton. “I was talking to the staff and was like, ‘Give me a second.’ I just went in there by myself. I don’t do that very often; it’s not really my nature. But some things needed to be said and our group responded. I mean, Tim, I was so hot I could see the spit coming out of my own mouth.
“That’s my job and our job as a staff to figure out how to get that fire lit at the opening tip and not wait until it’s too late.”
The Boilermakers did respond, scoring 25 points in the third quarter behind Layden’s 16 points. They kept Minnesota away from the offensive boards, until late, when it scored four second-chance points to tie the game.
The Gophers went about 27 minutes of game action without a second-chance point until the end.
“They don’t get an offensive rebound until the last minute of the second half,” Gearlds said. “Four second chance points. If we just grab them, the game is ours.”
FINALS WEEK
It’s the end of the first semester, which always creates challenging practice schedules. Purdue doesn’t play until Sunday at No. 14 Notre Dame.
Gearlds planned to hold a practice Tuesday, leaning more on physical activity, and on Wednesday she’ll bring in three or four groups for 45 minutes each, focused on shooting and skill development.
On Thursday, the team will be together for a light shooting practice. Friday and Saturday will be spent going over Notre Dame.
“In the Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday timeframe, we’re working on us,” Gearlds said. “How do we get better as a ballclub?”
SUNDAY’S GAME
Purdue (6-4) at No. 14 Notre Dame (7-1)
Time: Noon
TV: ACC Network
Radio: wbpefm.com