Purdue Women’s Basketball Outlasts UIC in 55–52 Exhibition Victory

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue women’s basketball team tipped off its 2026 pre-season action at Mackey Arena with a hard-fought 55–52 exhibition victory over the visiting UIC Flames.

The win extended Purdue’s remarkable exhibition winning streak to 47 games, keeping head coach Katie Gearlds unbeaten in pre-season play during her tenure in West Lafayette (6–0).

Key Performers

• Hannah Wickstrom (Guard/Forward): Led all scorers with a game-high 20 points. Wickstrom anchored the offense and came through in critical moments, efficiency from the foul line by converting 8-of-10 free throws while adding 7 rebounds.
• Kyndall Hunter (Guard): Joined Wickstrom in double figures as the second-leading scorer, finishing with 16 points and fueling Purdue’s perimeter attack.
• Avery Gordon (Center/Forward): Controlled the interior defensive effort and dominated the glass, pulling down a team-leading 8 rebounds.
• Jelena Bulajić (Guard/Forward): Provided crucial frontcourt hustle, snagging 7 rebounds alongside Wickstrom to help maintain second-chance possessions.

Game Summary

Purdue established rhythm early by attacking the paint and getting into the bonus, taking a 29–20 lead into halftime.

UIC put up a resolute effort in the second half, chipping away at the Boilermakers’ advantage with defensive stops and timely perimeter shots. However, Purdue held off the late push at the free-throw line—shooting 17-of-23 (73.9%) from the charity stripe as a team—to seal the 3-point victory.

Game Stat Comparison

What’s Next

With the tune-up game behind them, Coach Katie Gearlds and the Boilermakers look forward to opening the official regular season at home. Purdue will kick off its regular-season slate against IU Indy at Mackey Arena.

BoilerFanatics