WEST LAFAYETTE — Did Purdue women’s basketball turn a corner?
At least for one night on a frigid Sunday afternoon, the Boilermakers did more than beat Dayton 80-43.
The Boilermakers outclassed the Flyers in almost every aspect of the game from tipoff until the closing 40th minute.
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Purdue’s offense was ignited by Israel native Hila Karsh and juniors Tara Daye and Kiki Smith.
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Purdue player Tara Daye (44) blocks out during the NCAA women’s basketball game between the Eastern Illinois Panthers at the Purdue Boilermakers, Thursday Nov. 6, 2025, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue won 82-67
Karsh scored 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, Daye scored 15 points and grabbed 12 rebounds with Smith who added 16 points for Purdue (7-4, 0-1 Big Ten Conference).
It was Purdue’s defense that set the tone and forced 26 turnovers, including 16 in the first half, and drew four charges.
A result of Purdue’s improvement in defending ball screen coverages allowed Daye and her team to prolong its on ball coverage against ball handlers and shooters. Karsh swiped Dayton for five steals in the first half and the Boilermakers led 44-12 at halftime.
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One drawback for the Boilermakers was getting post entry passes out of the paint.
Sophomore 6-foot-3 forward Lana McCarthy and freshman 6-foot-7 center Avery Gordon combined for five turnovers with three coming off double teams in the post.
Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue women’s basketball makes positive turn against Dayton
