Hila Karsh Powers Purdue Past Eastern Illinois

New-look Boilermakers Show Resilience in Home Victory

Purdue women's basketball kicked off its 2025 season with a resounding 82-67 victory over Eastern Illinois at Mackey Arena, showcasing the immediate impact of a revamped roster. After a challenging first quarter where the Panthers led 21-17, the Boilermakers adjusted defensively and unleashed a dominant second-half performance fueled by standout freshman Hila Karsh.

Defensive Turnaround Sparks Comeback

Head coach Katie Gearlds highlighted the team's defensive adjustments as the key turning point. After struggling with energy and box-outs in the opening frame, Purdue switched from zone to man-to-man defense in the second quarter. This shift neutralized Eastern Illinois's attack, allowing the Boilermakers to take a 37-32 halftime lead.

"The execution wasn't there initially, but we became more intentional," Gearlds stated. "You got to trust your feet and make them take tough shots." The defensive adjustments carried momentum into the second half, with Purdue never relinquishing the lead.

Karsh Shines in Collegiate Debut

Freshman guard Hila Karsh stole the spotlight with a career-high 24-point performance, shooting 68.4% from the field (9-of-14) and connecting on 5-of-7 three-point attempts. The Israeli import showcased her elite shooting IQ, scoring in every quarter while adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

"I promised coach I would make four three-point shots, and I did it," Karsh joked, before Gearlds playfully corrected her: "She had five, so she lied." Karsh credited her international experience and team chemistry for her seamless transition. "My teammates give me a lot of confidence. Every shot I make, everyone jumps on me. It's a team with really good chemistry."

Experience and Depth on Display

The victory highlighted the contributions of Purdue's six new transfers. Junior guard Kiki Smith added 11 crucial points in the second half after a quiet first half, while sophomore forward Kendell Puryear provided defensive intensity with key stops down the stretch.

She shoots the heck out of the ball. She'll pass up a good shot for a better shot. She just makes our ball team pretty good.

- Coach Katie Gearlds on Karsh

Gearlds emphasized Karsh's basketball maturity beyond her years. "The kid has knowledge, she's experienced, high-IQ basketball player," she praised. "She's just going to continue to get better because she works her tail off."

Looking Ahead

With a 2-0 start, Purdue aims to build on this momentum as it travels to Purdue Fort Wayne on November 12. The Boilermakers' blend of new transfers and freshman standouts like Karsh signals a promising resurgence after last season's challenges.

As Gearlds noted, the team is still "trying to figure out who works best with who," but with performances like Karsh's breakout game, the future appears bright for Purdue women's basketball.