Purdue women’s basketball knocks off No. 22 Illinois on the road

CHAMPAIGN, Illinois − Coming into a stretch of three straight video games in opposition to ranked opponents, together with two in a span of 4 days, Purdue’s ladies’s basketball crew wanted that important victory.

Thursday evening on the State Farm Middle, the Boilermakers obtained it.

Led by Abbey Ellis’ 16 factors and a double-double from Jeanae Terry, Purdue upset No. 22 Illinois 62-52, taking an early lead and by no means wanting again.

The victory is the second over a ranked crew as Purdue’s coach for Katie Gearlds. The Boilermakers since defeated No. 17 Florida State on Nov. 21, 2021.

It additionally marked Purdue’s first highway win in opposition to a ranked foe since beating Maryland in 2018.

The Boilers (14-6, 5-5 Huge Ten) obtained the victory regardless of some offensive struggles.

Purdue shot simply 3 of 18 from 3-point vary, together with 0 of 10 within the second half. The Boilers additionally overcame 15 turnovers.

The protection was robust, although, holding the Illini (16-5, 6-4) to 32.2 % from the sector, together with 4 of 26 from 3. Illinois was solely in a position to flip 11 offensive rebounds into 10 second-chance factors.

Apart from Ellis’ 16 factors, Terry supplied 10 factors and a game-high 14 rebounds. Caitlyn Harper scored 10 factors and Madison Layden added 9.

Illinois was led by Makira Prepare dinner’s 19 factors, in addition to 10 rebounds from Layden’s highschool teammate Kendall Bostic.

Purdue travels to No. 2 Ohio State for a 2 p.m. Sunday tip.

Sam King covers sports activities for the Journal & Courier. Electronic mail him at sking@jconline.com and observe him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.