Hila Karsh Shines as Purdue Women's Basketball Dominates Eastern Illinois

Purdue Women's Basketball kicked off their 2025 season with an electrifying 82-67 victory over Eastern Illinois, showcasing their revamped roster and the emergence of a star freshman. In her second collegiate game, Israeli guard Hila Karsh stole the spotlight with a career-high 24 points, demonstrating why she's poised to be a game-changer for the Boilermakers.

Despite a challenging first quarter where Eastern Illinois took a 21-17 lead, Purdue adjusted defensively and dominated the remainder of the game. Head Coach Katie Gearlds emphasized the team's resilience: "They're tough kids, they're resilient young women, and I am proud to lead them right now." The Boilermakers switched from zone to man-to-man defense in the second quarter, allowing them to shut down the Panthers' offense and seize momentum.

Karsh's Breakout Performance

Freshman Hila Karsh left an immediate impact, connecting on 5-of-7 three-point attempts while shooting 68.4% from the field (13-of-19). Her 24 points included 15 in the second half, where she consistently punished Eastern Illinois for defensive breakdowns. "I promised coach I would make four three-point shots, and I did it," Karsh joked, highlighting her confidence and shooting prowess. Guard Kiki Smith contributed 11 points in the second half after a quiet start, while sophomore forward Kendell Puryear anchored the defensive effort.

Karsh's international experience and high basketball IQ stood out. "She shoots the heck out of the ball. She'll pass up a good shot for a better shot," Gearlds praised. The freshman also added seven rebounds and four assists, showcasing her all-around skills. Her ability to read defenses and make smart decisions has quickly made her indispensable to Purdue's lineup.

New Roster, New Chemistry

The win highlighted the potential of Purdue's revamped roster, which features six key transfers. "We got a brand new basketball team and we're still trying to figure out who works best with who," Gearlds acknowledged. Players like Avery Gordon provided crucial free throws and defensive presence, while the team's chemistry blossomed throughout the contest. "Every shot I make, everyone jumps on me. We really love each other, play for each other," Karsh emphasized.

Despite a rocky first quarter, Purdue's adjustments were pivotal. By matching players defensively and improving ball movement, the Boilermakers outscored Eastern Illinois 65-46 over the final three quarters. Gearlds' focus on defensive intensity—"You got to trust your feet and make her take tough shots"

Looking Ahead

With a 2-0 start, Purdue aims to carry this momentum into their next game against Purdue Fort Wayne on November 12. The early-season success signals a promising turnaround after a challenging 2024 season. Karsh's emergence, combined with the contributions from transfers and returning players like Smith, positions Purdue as a team to watch in the Big Ten.

As Gearlds noted, Karsh's work ethic suggests even greater potential ahead. "The kid has knowledge, she's experienced, high, high, high IQ basketball player. She's just going to continue to get better, because she works her tail off." For Purdue fans, the future is bright as this new-look Boilermaker squad gels and aims for a deep NCAA Tournament run.