Wildcats Return Home to Take On Purdue Sunday

Sunday, January 13

Evanston, Ill.

4 p.m.

Northwestern

Purdue

Jordan Hamilton and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah

Photo by: Stephen Carrera

Wildcats Return Home to Take On Purdue Sunday

1/11/2019 9:55:00 AM | Women's Basketball

EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern (9-6, 2-2 Big Ten) returns to Evanston Sunday, Jan. 13 to take on the Purdue Boilermakers (12-5, 3-1 Big Ten) in the new Welsh-Ryan Arena. Tip off is scheduled for 4 p.m. CT on Big Ten Network.

The Wildcats enter Sunday's matchup following a one-point loss to the Michigan Wolverines in overtime. Four Northwestern players found themselves in double-digit territory, including Lindsey Pulliam (22), Jordan Hamilton (16) and Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah (12). Junior Abbie Wolf notched a career high 17 points and 11 boards in her first double-double of her career.

Pulliam continues to lead the Wildcats in scoring, averaging 18.3 ppg in conference play, which lands her ninth in Big Ten standings.

Kunaiyi-Akpanah is having a standout season in her senior campaign. She currently sits in the top five in three categories within the Big Ten rankings. She is in second in the conference with the highest number offensive rebounds, fourth for rebounds, and fifth in steals.

The team continues to be dominant in defensive efforts, sitting second in the Big Ten in steals, averaging 9.9 per game with first-year Veronica Burton leading the team with 27 on the season. The Northwestern defense is also forcing an average of 18.3 opponent turnovers per game.

The Boilermakers lead the overall series, 47-22, winning the last two contests. The last time the two teams met in Welsh-Ryan Arena, the Wildcats secured the victory, 70-60 (Dec. 31, 2016).

Scouting the Opponent:

Purdue enters Sunday's matchup after defeating No. 17 Iowa, 62-57 at home.
Four players notched double-digit points versus Iowa.
The Boilermakers currently lead the Big Ten in blocked shots, averaging 5.7 per game.
Sophomore guard Karissa McLaughlin currently leads the Big Ten in free throw percentage with .925 and junior forward Ae'rianna Harris leads the Big Ten in blocked shots with 3.4 per game

••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!