WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue women’s basketball team dropped an 86-65 decision on Thursday night at Mackey Arena to No. 13 Michigan State.
Freshman Avery Gordon had a career performance in her first start of the year. The rookie was 9-of-11 for 20 points. She added six rebounds, four on the offensive end, a block and a steal in 17 minutes of work. The freshman started strong with six points on 3-of-4 shooting in the opening three minutes of the game.
Madison Layden-Zay added to her career 3-point record, matching her career high with six triples to finish with 18 points. The fifth year nabbed four boards, dished out two assists and had one steal. The Kokomo, Ind., native is now two steals shy of 200 for her career.
Hila Karsh was back in double figures for the second straight game with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Tara Daye nearly pulled off a non-point double-double, going for nine rebounds and eight assists. The redshirt junior added five points, and two blocks to her tally.
For the game, the Boilermakers (11-10, 3-7) shot 38.3% from the field and went 8-of-27 from distance. Led by Daye’s eight helpers, Purdue dished out 17 assists on 23 made field goals.
The hosts continued to compete deep into the game, winning the second half 42-36. Purdue scored 25 points in the final frame on 8-of-17 shooting with four 3-pointers.
Michigan State (19-2, 8-2) went 50.8% from the floor and 7-of-21 from distance on the night. The Spartans were led by Grace VanSlooten’s 17 points.
UP NEXT
Purdue will hit the road to open February with a 3 p.m. ET tip at Minnesota on Sunday. The game will be streamed on B1G+.