The recent game between the Purdue women’s basketball team and Notre Dame presented a formidable challenge, with Purdue struggling to maintain possession of the ball. This challenge was particularly evident during a Sunday afternoon matchup in South Bend, which was marked by a celebratory atmosphere due to the unveiling of a statue honoring Fighting Irish Hall of Fame coach Muffet McGraw.
Regrettably for Purdue, their difficulties with ball control were prominently on display throughout the game. They consistently found themselves dribbling into double teams, attempting risky jump passes, and falling victim to numerous steals by Notre Dame’s standout freshman, Hannah Hidalgo. The end result was a season-high 21 turnovers, far surpassing their 14 successful baskets, ultimately resulting in a decisive 76-39 victory for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame’s Hidalgo demonstrated considerable prowess, amassing an impressive 23 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Maddy Westbeld and Natalija Marshall also played significant roles in their team’s success, placing Purdue at a significant disadvantage. Head coach Katie Gearlds expressed her frustration, citing turnovers as a persistent issue in games against formidable opponents. This sentiment was reinforced by the team’s overall record, with Purdue ranking 160th in the country for turnovers, averaging 16 per game.
This game against Notre Dame is not the first instance of Purdue struggling with ball control this season, as similar issues arose during previous matches against UCLA and Minnesota, revealing a troubling pattern that the team must address. Coach Gearlds emphasized the urgency for the team to prioritize ball security and capitalize on open shots, recognizing that missed opportunities often lead to turnovers.
The defeat against Notre Dame serves as a stark reminder of the challenges lying ahead for Purdue’s women’s basketball team. With turnovers proving to be a persistent issue, it is evident that addressing ball control must be a primary focus moving forward. As the team regroups and evaluates their performance, they will undoubtedly commit to enhancing their ball-handling skills in order to deliver stronger performances in the future.