Strong Finish Propels No. 8 Purdue Women To Victory

Dec. 21, 2000

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By DAN GELSTON Associated Press Writer

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Camille Cooper scored a season-high 29 points, and No. 8 Purdue used a 15-2 game-ending run to beat DePaul 80-67 on Thursday night.

The Boilermakers (10-3) watched DePaul (5-4) rally from a three-point halftime deficit to take a seven-point lead.

Shalicia Hurns' layup with 12:25 left, put Purdue ahead for good at 52-51. DePaul committed one of its 25 turnovers on its next possession, and it was converted into a basket by Shereka Wright.

The Boilermakers pushed their lead to 10, only to have DePaul come back again. Molly Watson's 3-pointer cut it to 65-63, but the Blue Demons were held to just one field goal in the final 5:04.

Cooper scored 18 first-half points on 7-of-8 shooting from the floor, all from under the basket. She scored six straight points to give the Boilermakers a 19-5 lead.

Candis Blankson led DePaul with 15 points.