APSU Women’s Basketball
West Lafayette, IN – Austin Peay State University lost its Preseason WNIT opener to Purdue, 93-53, Friday night at Mackey Arena. The loss was the Lady Govs second-straight in season-openers and second-ever in the Preseason WNIT.
Austin Peay put on a good showing early, staying within 10 points for much of the first half. Senior Darcie Warner and sophomore Kaitlyn Hill made back-to-back jumpers, both on assists from junior Whitney Hanley, cutting Purdue’s lead to eight points, 30-22, with 5:52 to play.
However, the Boilermakers closed the half with a 12-2 run, to take a 42-27 lead into the break. Credit a strong Purdue defense and poor shot selection from the Lady Govs as they made only 1-of-9 during the Purdue run.
Austin Peay never got within 30 points of the Boilermakers down the stretch.
Sophomore Meghan Bussabarger led Austin Peay with 10 points off the bench, including 2-of-3 three pointers. Hanley finished with nine points and a game-high five assists, while senior Brooke Faulkner and junior Jasmine Rayner each added eight points.
Five Boilermakers scored in double figures, led by Courtney Moses with 20 and Ostarello with 18.
The Lady Govs shot 39.6-percent (21 of 53) from the field, while Purdue made 32-of-61 for 52.5 percent. Purdue pressured the Lady Govs into 19 turnovers, recording 10 steals from that total. Purdue outrebounded Austin Peay, 42-25, including 17 offensive rebounds.
Austin Peay returns to action with its home opener, a 7:00pm, Tuesday game against Middle Tennessee at the Dunn Center.
Preseason WNIT action continues with an opponent to be determined.
