Nov 16, 2003

Box Score |  Photo Gallery

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
Associated Press Writer

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Shereka Wright scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds to lead No. 7 Purdue to a 79-69 win over fifth-ranked Kansas State in the second game of the Women's Tip-Off Classic on Sunday.

Erika Valek added in 16 points and seven assists, and Beth Jones had 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting from 3-point range for Purdue (1-0).

Laurie Koehn scored 22 points, including four 3s, to lead the Wildcats (0-1).

Jones' fourth 3-pointer gave Purdue a 58-49 lead midway through the second half.

The fiery senior pumped her fist after hitting the shot in transition, spurring a 9-0 Purdue run that put the Boilermakers in control, and they never looked back.

The Wildcats mounted a mini-comeback late in the second half, reeling off eight straight points to pull within nine at 70-61, but couldn't get closer.

Erica Valek drives to the hoop.

The Boilermakers rode hot shooting and a raucous home crowd to a 41-35 halftime lead.

Jones made three 3-pointers in the half and Valek jump-started Purdue's fast break to key the good start. Purdue shot 56 percent from the floor in the period, while Kansas State shot 44 percent.

Nicole Ohlde became Kansas State's all-time leading scorer in the second half. She came in six points shy of Diana Miller's 1,705 career points.

It took her longer than expected, however, as she picked up three personal fouls early.

Finally, with 7:13 to play, Ohlde hit a turnaround jumper in the lane to break the record. The preseason All-American scored just nine points on the day, giving her 1,708 for her career.

Kendra Wecker added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats.

Emily Heikes scored 11 points, grabbed seven rebounds and played tough defense on the 6-5 Ohlde, who had a five-inch height advantage in the post.

Playing in her first collegiate game, freshman Katie Gearlds had 10 points, six assists and five rebounds for Purdue.

Third-ranked Texas beat No. 2 Duke 85-77 in the first game of the Classic.

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