Feb 8, 2004
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
Associated Press Writer
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Shereka Wright scored 19 points and topped 2,000 for her career in No. 6 Purdue's 57-54 win over Ohio State on Sunday.
Wright made a layup with 10:24 to play and joined MaChelle Joseph and Stephanie White as the only players in school history to score 2,000 points.
The senior received a standing ovation from the crowd when her achievement was announced.
Erika Valek had 17 points and four assists for Purdue (19-2, 9-1 Big Ten), which outscored the Buckeyes 20-4 during an 11-minute stretch spanning the end of the first and start of the second half to take control and win its 10th straight.
Caity Matter scored 14 points for Ohio State (13-8, 5-5), which saw its struggles from the free-throw line continue in its first loss in four games.
The Buckeyes used a 13-4 run late to close the Purdue lead to 56-54 with 31.6 seconds left.
Wright made one of two free throws, and Ohio State had a chance to tie on its last possession. But Matter couldn't get free for a 3-point try, and Kim Wilburn's desperation heave was off the mark.
The Buckeyes entered the game as the worst free-throw shooting team in the Big Ten, and went 11-for-22 from the line Sunday.
Ohio State held Purdue to 38 percent shooting, and dominated early with its superior size in the post and crisp execution on offense.
Jessica Davenport (6-foot-5) and LaToya Turner (6-3) towered over the Purdue front, which doesn't have a player taller than 6-1.
Eight of Ohio State's first nine baskets came on layups, many of them backdoor cuts that took advantage of Purdue's aggressiveness on defense. Brandie Hoskins' layup gave Ohio State a 22-14 lead with just over eight minutes to play.
The Boilermakers closed the half with a 12-2 run that culminated with Wright's jumper from the baseline that gave Purdue a 26-24 lead.
Turner added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Ohio State.