The 2024 Big Ten WBB tournament in downtown Minneapolis kicked off with very entertaining opening contests. Purdue outscored Northwestern 43-33 in the second half after trailing 39-35 at halftime and prevailed 78-72.
“It was a good win but we have to focus on what’s next,” PU 5’8″ freshman guard Rashunda Jones told reporters, including the MSR. She finished with 19 points.
Jones and 5th-year guard Abbey Ellis, who led the winners with 25 points, both referred to a halftime speech by Purdue Coach Katie Gearlds along with a more spirited defense that helped turn things in their favor.
Northwestern led by as much as 12 points in the 3rd quarter but as Coach Joe McKeown said afterward, “We didn’t carry over.”
Purdue is now 13-17 and plays Nebraska on Thursday. Northwestern finished 9-21.
In the nightcap, Minnesota outlasted Rutgers 77-69 as both teams didn’t play like they were struggling squads. “They played their best basketball games in their careers,” declared Gopher Coach Dawn Plitzuweit on Amaya Battle (32 points) and Niamya Holloway (7 points, team-high 9 rebounds).
Destiny Adams led Rutgers with 31 points.
“It was a great game as both teams played hard and gave a good show,” said RU Coach Coquese Washington.
Minnesota plays Michigan on Thursday.