Of the problems that are plaguing Purdue defensively, it's in the paint where the Boilermakers have the most issue.
In two of the last three games - both losses - the Boilermakers (9-6 overall, 2-2 in the Big Ten) have allowed a combined 94 points in the paint. And the primary opposing posts, Minnesota's Amanda Zahui B., and Maryland's Brionna Jones had 21 points and 19 rebounds and16 and 17, respectively.
The Gophers beat Purdue on the glass by nine; the Terrapins by 21.
"We've got to rebound," Coach Sharon Versyp said. "If they've got it in the paint, it's off an offensive board. That's what it comes down to. It's not the first shots, it's the second shots.
"And in transition. They're a very quick team, Maryland, but when you get 23 (offensive) boards, you're probably going to score in there."
Purdue's rebounding efforts could be hampered if Bridget Perry can't go at Iowa on Sunday. The sophomore wing, who is averaging four rebounds per game, has an ankle injury. Andreona Keys would likely start in her place.
And Iowa (11-3, 2-1), although guard-oriented, has a big that can hurt. Center Bethany Doolittle averages nearly 11 points and seven rebounds per game.
"It's definitely big," forward Liza Clemons said of controlling the paint. "Because teams, once they see the tape of those two games, are definitely going to attack us inside. We just have to stand our ground, push them out, play as physical as we can."
The Hawkeyes, though, feature a multitude of weapons. Four score in double-figures, the lowest being Doolittle's 10.9. Melissa Dixon averages 16.2; Ally Disterhoft at 14.8 and Sam Logic at 11.3. Freshman Whitney Jennings averages 9.9.
"Right now their key is Melissa Dixon," Versyp said. " They have weapons, but it's kind of like they have certain players that if you can limit, or take strengths out of their game, that can work toward us. We've got to work people in, contest every shot and then rebound and run."
• Regardless of whether she gets more minutes Sunday, Purdue could use more from Keys.
The freshman has had solid games for Purdue this season, three times scoring in double-figures, but hasn't had that kind of impact lately.
Keys has only 11 points and six rebounds in the last three games. She is averaging 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per outing and only a little more than one turnover per.
"She's solid, but we need more from her," Versyp said. "She's consistent, she's solid, you know what you're getting. She understands everything, understands the system, she's mature for her age. But we need her to rebound, to score the ball, those are two areas she's been lacking. But she doesn't hurt you right now, where before she made impacts, but she's got to rebound and score for us."
In two of the last three games - both losses - the Boilermakers (9-6 overall, 2-2 in the Big Ten) have allowed a combined 94 points in the paint. And the primary opposing posts, Minnesota's Amanda Zahui B., and Maryland's Brionna Jones had 21 points and 19 rebounds and16 and 17, respectively.
The Gophers beat Purdue on the glass by nine; the Terrapins by 21.
"We've got to rebound," Coach Sharon Versyp said. "If they've got it in the paint, it's off an offensive board. That's what it comes down to. It's not the first shots, it's the second shots.
"And in transition. They're a very quick team, Maryland, but when you get 23 (offensive) boards, you're probably going to score in there."
Purdue's rebounding efforts could be hampered if Bridget Perry can't go at Iowa on Sunday. The sophomore wing, who is averaging four rebounds per game, has an ankle injury. Andreona Keys would likely start in her place.
And Iowa (11-3, 2-1), although guard-oriented, has a big that can hurt. Center Bethany Doolittle averages nearly 11 points and seven rebounds per game.
"It's definitely big," forward Liza Clemons said of controlling the paint. "Because teams, once they see the tape of those two games, are definitely going to attack us inside. We just have to stand our ground, push them out, play as physical as we can."
The Hawkeyes, though, feature a multitude of weapons. Four score in double-figures, the lowest being Doolittle's 10.9. Melissa Dixon averages 16.2; Ally Disterhoft at 14.8 and Sam Logic at 11.3. Freshman Whitney Jennings averages 9.9.
"Right now their key is Melissa Dixon," Versyp said. " They have weapons, but it's kind of like they have certain players that if you can limit, or take strengths out of their game, that can work toward us. We've got to work people in, contest every shot and then rebound and run."
• Regardless of whether she gets more minutes Sunday, Purdue could use more from Keys.
The freshman has had solid games for Purdue this season, three times scoring in double-figures, but hasn't had that kind of impact lately.
Keys has only 11 points and six rebounds in the last three games. She is averaging 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per outing and only a little more than one turnover per.
"She's solid, but we need more from her," Versyp said. "She's consistent, she's solid, you know what you're getting. She understands everything, understands the system, she's mature for her age. But we need her to rebound, to score the ball, those are two areas she's been lacking. But she doesn't hurt you right now, where before she made impacts, but she's got to rebound and score for us."
