Spartans defeat Boilermakers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Michigan State fended off several Purdue rallies in the second half to post a 68-61 victory over the Boilermakers in women's Big Ten basketball Thursday night at Mackey Arena.

Annalise Pickrel scored 18 points to lead Michigan State. Jasmine Thomas and Klarissa Bell scored 17 points apiece for the victorious Spartans.

Drey Mingo scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Boilermakers as Purdue lost its third consecutive game at Mackey Arena.

The Boilermakers trailed the entire second half but kept within striking distance nearly the entire final 20 minutes, closing to within 58-57 on a three-point field goal by Mingo with under nine minutes to go in the game.

“We had it down to one on several occasions and we were trying to execute a play and get the ball inside and we took an ill advised three that people don't normally shoot. It's coming down to execution and miss matches that we saw and you have to be able to get the ball where we need to get the ball,” said Purdue head coach Sharon Versyp.

KK Houser added 16 points and six assists for the Boilermakers. Freshman Taylor Manuel chipped in with 12 points for Purdue.

“They knocked down shots, when the shot clock was going down they threw something up or they hit a nice jump shot and they scored. We had some good looks but we didn't score, you have to be able to finish,” said Versyp.

The loss drops the Boilers to 9-6 in conference play and 20-8 overall. Purdue closes out its regular season when the Boilermakers host Illinois at 4 p.m. Eastern time Sunday at Mackey Arena. Seniors Drey Mingo, Sam Ostarello, and Chantel Poston will be honored immediately following the conclusion of the Boilermakers' game against the Illini.