Jan 3, 2002
EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) - Mary Jo Noon scored 20 points and Laura Meadows added 18 Thursday night as No. 10 Purdue beat Northwestern 77-65.
Shereka Wright had 17 points and Kelly Komara added 15 for Purdue (11-2), which had 14 fast break points as it took a 36-27 halftime lead.
"We're happy that we found a way to win, but you're never satisfied," said Purdue coach Kristy Curry, who was disappointed with her team's 19-for-31 effort from the free throw line.
Purdue is off to its best start since the 1998-99 season, when it went 11-1. The Boilermakers ended that season 34-1 and won the NCAA championship.
The last time the teams met, in January 2001, Purdue thrashed Northwestern 94-37. On Thursday, the Wildcats (4-10) started four freshmen and a junior.
"Compared to last year's team, they're a lot better," Noon said. "They started four strong freshmen."
Freshman Sarah Kwasinski had 18 points for the Wildcats, while classmate Melissa Culver added 14.
"They have a really nice team," Northwestern coach June Olkowski said of Purdue. "What you cannot put in your scouting reports is Kelly Komara's play. I think she's the glue. She's seasoned, strong, heady and she'll do anything to win. Tonight she went to the basket at will."