WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Following a tough loss to No. 19 Maryland just three days prior, Indiana responded in dominant fashion, defeating Purdue 77-57 at Mackey Arena.
The victory marked the Hoosiers' 13th straight win over their in-state rival, a streak dating back to the 2018-19 season.
Beyond the rivalry win, history was made. Chloe Moore-McNeil became Indiana’s all-time leader in games played with 149 career appearances, cementing her legacy in the program.
Yarden Garzon added her name to the record books as well, breaking the all-time program record for made 3-pointers with 207.
Indiana wasted no time taking control, jumping out to a commanding lead with a 22-2 run over nearly seven minutes in the first quarter.
The Hoosiers capitalized on efficient shooting and defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and converting them into points. Purdue struggled to find its rhythm early, making just one of its final seven shot attempts to close the quarter.
Indiana head coach Teri Moren said the team’s defensive performance postgame, noting how it dictated the tempo offensively not only in the first quarter but through the whole game.
“Our defense really set the tone for us tonight,” Moren said. “We wanted to win every quarter, and we did that. I’m most impressed with how we guarded — it helped create a lot of opportunities on the other end.”
The Boilermakers found some life in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana 12-8 in a slower offensive stretch for the Hoosiers.
Foul trouble became a concern for Indiana, as Moore-McNeil picked up her third before halftime, forcing Moren to adjust the rotation. Despite that, Shay Ciezki stepped up, leading the team with 11 first-half points as the Hoosiers carried a 39-23 lead into the break.
Purdue made its strongest push of the night in the third quarter, using a 9-0 run over a minute and a half to cut into Indiana’s lead.
The Hoosiers struggled with turnovers, committing three in under two minutes, allowing Purdue to gain momentum.
However Ciezki responded with a clutch 3-pointer to halt the run, and Indiana’s defense locked back in to maintain control heading into the final quarter.
Garzon made history in the fourth, knocking down back-to-back 3s to officially break the program’s all-time record.
Indiana’s depth proved critical down the stretch, with contributions from Lexi Bargesser and Lilly Meister helping close out the game. The Hoosiers remained poised at the free-throw line, finishing a perfect 10-for-10 to secure the win.
Moren also said the team’s depth for stepping up when foul trouble altered the game plan.
“Lilly Meister gave us great minutes today,” Moren said. “We need her, and we need everyone ready when their number is called.”
Sydney Parrish, who has never lost to Purdue in her IU career, relished the rivalry victory.
“I love games like this. It’s fun when there are 10,000 fans and 9,000 are against us,” Parrish said. “We want to beat Purdue every time we play them.”
With the regular season wrapped up, Indiana now shifts its attention to the Big Ten Tournament, where the Hoosiers hope to build on their momentum and make a deep postseason run.
“We have to realize that in tournament play, if we lose, we’re done,” Parrish said. “Good practices lead to good games, and we have to be mindful of minutes as we move forward.”
Indiana’s experience, depth and ability to respond under pressure will be key as the Hoosiers set their sights on a strong showing in postseason play.
Gallery: Indiana vs Ohio State
