KENOSHA, Wis. – Parkside women's basketball used another fast start and a balanced scoring effort to earn a 77-65 win over Purdue Northwest on Thursday at De Simone Arena, clinching a spot in this year's GLIAC Tournament in the process.
The Rangers led wire-to-wire after opening the night with 25 first-quarter points, then withstood a late push to improve their postseason position with one more home game left in the regular season.
Parkside set the tone immediately, building a 25-12 lead after one quarter behind crisp ball movement and efficient shooting. The Rangers finished the night at 51% from the field (29-for-57) and 45% from three (9-for-20), and they turned that early rhythm into a 13-point halftime cushion. Purdue Northwest briefly settled in during the second quarter, but Parkside still carried a 46-30 advantage into the break.
Purdue Northwest made its best run coming out of halftime, trimming into the margin as Parkside cooled slightly in the third. The Pride won the quarter 12-15, but Parkside stayed in control by continuing to score inside and answering key possessions with stops and timely baskets. The Rangers finished with 38 points in the paint and 21 assists on 29 made field goals.
The Pride kept coming in the fourth, scoring 23 points in the final period and getting to the foul line frequently, but Parkside did enough to close it out. Purdue Northwest went 18-for-21 at the stripe, while Parkside countered by controlling the glass (39-27) and generating extra chances, including a 6-3 edge in offensive rebounds.
Lillie Petersen anchored the win with her fourth double-double of the season, posting 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with three assists. Cassidy Arni led Parkside in scoring with 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting, including 3-for-4 from three, while adding three steals and two blocks. Lexi Bugajski knocked down three triples on her way to 11 points, and Peighton Nelson chipped in nine points and eight assists to pace the offense. Alli Hampel added nine points and six rebounds, and Parkside also got steady contributions throughout a rotation that featured six Rangers with at least eight points.
For Purdue Northwest, Alyssa Cole led the way with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Cameryn Phillips scored 11 points and Riley Milausnic added 10.
Parkside finished with 11 steals and three blocks, and while the Rangers were tagged with 19 turnovers, they made up the difference with rebounding, interior scoring, and efficiency from the field.
The Rangers return to De Simone Arena for the final home game of the regular season on Saturday, hosting Wayne State at 1 p.m. CT for Senior Day.
To keep up with the Rangers, visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.
