Nov. 12, 2010
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue Boilermakers had a strong offensive showing in the first game of the 2010-11 regular season in a win over Austin Peay in the opening round of the Preseason WNIT. The Boilers defeated the Lady Govs 93-53 Friday night, with freshman Courtney Moses leading the way with 20 points. It was Purdue's ninth-straight win in a season opener - a school record - and improves the Boilermakers to 21-0 all time in season opening games in Mackey Arena.
Purdue never trailed in the contest, clicking offensively from the start. The Boilermakers hit 41 percent of their shots in the first half, 66.7 percent in the second half for 52.5 percent for the game. Junior Brittany Rayburn made her first four three-point attempts, scoring 12 of the Boilermaker's first 20 points. And despite Austin Peay also making 41 percent of its shots, the Boilers led 42-27 at halftime. Contributing to this lead was Purdue's seven first half steals and forcing the Lady Govs into 13 first half turnovers. Purdue would finish with 10 steals and 19 forced turnovers.
The second half began with a 27-6 run by Purdue in the first eight minutes. Nine of those came in the first 1:33, highlighted by Moses scoring five straight. Sophomore Sam Ostarello also shined in the second half, at one point scoring eight in a row. She went 8 of 9 from the floor after connecting on seven shots straight shots, finishing with 18 points and a game-high nine rebounds. Her 18 points eclipsed her previous career high of 17 points.
Purdue made 66.7 percent of its shots in the second half and clamped down on defense, holding Austin Peay to 37.9 percent. The Boilers also outrebounded Austin Peay, 42 to 25, and pulled down 17 offensive boards compared to Austin Peay's 10. On the defensive end, junior forward Samantha Woods tied a career high with three blocked shots.
The four Boilermaker newcomers - Antionette Howard, Drey Mingo, Dee Dee Williams, and Moses - combined for 48 points, three steals and 13 assists. In addition, all 11 players who played for Purdue scored.
About the only negative in the game was an injury to starting point guard KK Houser. Houser went down early in the first half when attempting a layup in traffic and did not return to the contest.
Next up, Purdue will play host to Toledo, coached by former Boilermaker Tricia Cullop, on Monday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. in Mackey Arena in second round Preseason WNIT action.