A tough weekend for IU Athletics at Purdue closed out with another loss Sunday.
After Purdue took home wins in wrestling and men’s basketball Friday and Saturday, the No. 25 IU women’s basketball team looked to turn the tide. But to no avail, IU was defeated 56-53.
The game was tight throughout the afternoon, and IU held a 53-51 lead with less than two minutes remaining.
Then Purdue clamped down defensively.
A free throw by sophomore guard Tamara Farquhar brought Purdue closer and set the team up for a big shot late.
With less than 30 seconds remaining, sophomore guard Karissa McLaughlin pulled up and drained a jumper to give Purdue a lead it would not let slip away.
IU sophomore guard Jaelynn Penn had a chance to tie the game in the closing seconds but couldn't get a shot off as time expired.
The loss for the Hoosiers marks the first time they have lost back-to-back games this season, and it ended the team’s three-game winning streak against its in-state rival.
IU had a lead for more than half of the game, but never had much of a cushion. The biggest lead by either team came in the second quarter when IU was up 23-16, but Purdue was able to cut into that quickly.
The Hoosiers took a five-point lead in to the half, but the Boilermakers started the second half with an 8-0 run.
Sophomore guard Bendu Yeaney put a stop to that with a 3-pointer as part of her team-leading, 15-point performance.
Yeaney and Penn were the only Hoosiers in double figures, as the team’s usual leading scorers in juniors Brenna Wise and Ali Patberg combined for 11 points.
IU has lost three of four games since being ranked in the Associated Press Poll on Jan. 7. Sunday’s result could also affect the AP poll rankings as Purdue was receiving votes.
IU’s next game will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall against Michigan.
