Nov. 13, 2000
By DAN GELSTON
Associated Press Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.- Kelly Komara is no longer perfect. Fourth-ranked Purdue is.
Komara's consecutive field-goal streak ended Monday night, but she still scored 21 points as Purdue beat Georgetown 81-67 in the second round of the preseason NIT.
After making all five field-goals attempts in a first-round game against Eastern Michigan, Komara made her first five shots Monday. The streak ended with a missed 3-pointer at 8:50 of the second half.
She finished 5-for-6 against Georgetown - all 3-pointers - and tied a school-record with eight straight 3-pointers.
Her free-throw streak is still intact at 8-for-8 overall.
"I felt real good when I hit the first few shots," Komara said. "I've been working hard on shooting before and after practice."
Komara and Katie Douglas, who led Purdue (2-0) with 22 points, turned a first-half deficit into a 14-point lead at the break.
Georgetown (1-1) led 18-17 at 10:52 of the first half. Purdue's Shalicia Hurns made two free throws to start a 27-12 run that allowed the Boilermakers to end the first half ahead 44-30. Komara and Douglas each hit two 3-pointers during the run.
Komara is making the switch from point guard to shooting guard, and she feels more comfortable in the new position.
Douglas said the switch may be one reason for Komara's fast start.
"If I knew why she was shooting like that, I'd pay her to give me a little advice," Douglas said. "I think she's shooting with confidence and is comfortable in the 2-role."
Katie Smrcka-Duffy led Georgetown with 18 points. Shawntese Charles had 14 and Rebekkah Brunson added 12.
Georgetown had just seven foul shots, making five, compared to Purdue's 25-for-32 from the line.