EVANSTON, Ill. – The Purdue women's basketball team nearly erased an 18-point deficit Sunday night at Northwestern, as Jenelle Grant's game-tying 3-point attempt with five seconds to play in regulation caromed off the back iron. The Wildcats held on to top the Boilermakers 61-56.
After the offense sputtered in the first half, Purdue (11-6, 2-3) found its stride in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Wildcats (14-2, 4-1) 18-11 in the final frame. The Boilermakers' defense held the hosts without a field goal in the quarter until 1:20 remaining in the game. Lyndsey Whilby capped an 11-2 run with a triple to trim the gap to three at the 2:43 mark to make it a one-possession game for the first time since quarter.
Northwestern took advantage of a few empty trips by the Boilermakers to regain a seven-point advantage. Following a 3-pointer from Karissa McLaughlin and a layup by Ae'Rianna Harris, the Boilermakers quickly moved the ball up the quarter with nine seconds remaining. The ball fell to Grant's hands, but the junior could not convert her second 3-pointer of the game.
Grant was superb in just her second start for Purdue. The England international totaled a team-high 16 points on 7-of-16 shooting, including nine points in the first quarter. The junior also dished out a season-high two assists and recorded one steal. Grant's point total was her best with the Boilermakers and fell six shy of her career high, set during her time at Pacific.
Dominique Oden followed closely with 14 points on 6-of-9 from the field. The senior stepped up over the final 20 minutes with nine points.
Purdue shot 36.1% from the field and 46.2% (6-13) from distance, besting Northwestern's mark of 32.3% and 14.3% (2-14) on the night. The hosts jumped on 18 Purdue turnovers and converted them in 19 points, with 12 coming in the opening 20 minutes.
NOTES
• Purdue holds an all-time series lead of 50-23 against Northwestern, with a 22-16 mark on the road.
• Despite just eight points, Harris hauled down 14 rebounds. She sits 14 boards away from breaking the all-time rebound record of 968
• Kayana Traylor dished out a game-high six assists, marking the first time the Boilermakers dropped a game when she finished with at least five helpers.
• Karissa McLaughlin connected on a pair of 3-pointers to bring her career total to 200. She is the fourth Boilermaker in program history to top that plateau.
• Purdue finished with 20 points in the paint, marking the 14th game of the year with at least 20 points inside.
• Northwestern finished below their season average in points (68.7) and field goal percentage (43%). Purdue has held an opponent below their season average in points 16 times and field goal percentage 14 times.
• Harris recorded three blocks, all coming in the fourth quarter. It was the 11th time she has turned away at least three shots this season.
• Cassidy Hardin also had a block, her first of the year and third of her career.
NEXT UP
The Boilermakers will return home to Mackey Arena to face Illinois on Thursday at 7 p.m. on BTN+.
Stay up to date on all the latest scores, stats and stories surrounding Purdue women's basketball this season by following the team on Twitter (@PurdueWBB), Instagram (@PurdueWBB) and Facebook (/PurdueWBB).