And everyone contributed - we had a lot of people in double figures, and I think that balance contributed. The freshman started the run with a 3-pointer from the left corner and ended it with a layup off a backdoor pass from Maren Walseth. The Boilermakers' aggressive play forced Penn State to bench its starting post players and go with three freshmen, and Purdue's press slowed Penn State in the backcourt. Lady Lions had three shot-clock violations during that run. But Purdue struggled from the free-throw line, hitting just 11 of 19 in the second half.
Little things turn into big things, and little foul shots turn into big wins.
Lisa Shepherd scored 17 points, and Rashana Barnes had 15 for the Lady Lions. Courtney Upshaw had 10 rebounds and stifled Cooper on defense, holding the Purdue center to eight points, 6.2 below her average. Courtney just played with a great heart. Her rebounds were just crucial, and she fronted Camile Cooper. Katie Douglas had 25 points to lead the Boilermakers, and Kelly Komara added 11.