COLUMBUS, Ohio — Abbey Ellis made a season-high five 3 pointers and Purdue earned its first top-five road victory in program history, beating No. 2 Ohio State 73-65 on Sunday.
The Buckeyes (19-3, 8-3 Big Ten) lost their third-consecutive contest after winning the first 19 games of the season.
Leading by as many as 17 points early in the third quarter, the Boilermakers saw their lead dwindle as Ohio State and Taylor Mikesell rallied in the second half.
Mikesell, who went 0 of 6 in the first two quarters, made back-to-back 3-pointers in the third while Purdue shot 29.4% in the frame.
Ohio State used a 9-0 run to bring the score to 55-53 with 6:58 left in the fourth quarter, and Taylor Thierry tied it up at 58 after laying in a score with 4:28 remaining. Thierry fouled out 19 seconds later.
Purdue (15-6, 6-5) created separation over the next two minutes as Madison Layden scored five-straight points and Ellis made a jumper to go up 65-58.
The Buckeyes made three of eight field goal attempts in the final 2:15 and went 1 of 2 at the free throw line in that span.
Ellis made her fifth 3-pointer with 43 seconds left and sealed Purdue’s win. She finished with 26 points while Cassidy Hardin totaled 15.
Purdue shot 44.8% from 3-point range and 43.1% from the field.
Thierry led Ohio State with 18 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and a pair of steals.
BIG PICTURE
Purdue: The Boilermakers notched their first back-to-back wins against ranked opponents since 2017-18, and their first top-five win since 2011.
Ohio State: Ohio State shot 41.7%, better than its past two losses, but below its season average. the Buckeyes have had trouble knocking down shots from distance, posting 25% shooting or worse from 3 in their three-game losing streak.
UP NEXT
Purdue: Hosts No. 6 Indiana Feb. 5.
Ohio State: Travels to Wisconsin Wednesday.
