Purdue defeats Austin Peayin opening game of Preseason WNIT

November 12, 2010 – Purdue jump-started its season with a 93-53 victory Friday over visiting Austin Peay in first-round action of the Preseason WNIT. 

Purdue got 20 points and five assists from freshman guard Courtney Moses, who was the 2010 Indiana Miss Basketball. She led a five-player contingent for Purdue that scored in double figures. The Boilermakers earned a berth in Round 2, where they will host Toledo in a game starting at 7 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 15.

Austin Peay was led by Meghan Bussabarger, whose 10 points led a balanced attack. Austin Peay moves on to play two games in Consolation Rounds 1&2 on Nov. 19-20, details of which will be announced by Sunday following the completion of all first-round games.

Missouri State overcame a blazing start by Lamar to beat the visiting Cardinals 83-60. Missouri State, which will host DePaul at 8 p.m. ET Monday in Round 2, got 33 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists from Naismith Preseason watch list candidate Casey Garrison. Lamar countered with Southland Conference player of the year Jenna Plumley, who scored 18 points. Lamar will play in the consolation round Nov. 19-20, with details announced Sunday.

Hampton upset host James Madison in first-round action Friday, earning a 69-64 victory. Hampton, picked to win the MEAC Conference, will play at South Dakota State in the second round. JMU moves to Consolation Rounds 1&2 on Nov. 19-20, with details to be available Sunday.

Toledo escaped its first-round game with a 71-66 battle over visiting Saint Francis PA. Toledo, picked to win the West Division of the MAC, successfully defended its home court for the 14th straight game. They will play Round 2 at 7 p.m. ET Monday at Purdue. Saint Francis will play in the consolation rounds Nov. 19-20.

DePaul, coming off a 21-12 season with all five starters back, defeated Valparaiso 84-53 in the first game of the regular season on Doug Bruno Court at McGrath Arena. DePaul advances to the second round and will play at Missouri State starting at 8 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 15. Valparaiso moves to the consolation rounds Nov. 19-20. 

South Dakota State, which won the Summit Conference Tournament last season, took care of business with an 87-38 victory over visiting Utah Valley State. South Dakota State will host Hampton beginning at 8 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 15. Utah Valley, which won the Great West Conference Tournament last season, will play in the consolation round Nov. 19-20.

The first round concludes Saturday with Central Florida at Florida and Iona at Charlotte. 

First-round Preseason WNIT games
Friday, Nov. 12, 2010
Purdue 93, Austin Peay 53 
Missouri State 83, Lamar 60
Toledo 71, Saint Francis PA 66
Hampton 69, JMU 64
DePaul 84, Valparaiso 53
South Dakota State 87, Utah Valley 38
Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010
Central Florida (11-16) at Florida (15-17), 4 p.m. ET
Iona (18-14) at Charlotte (18-14), 5 p.m. ET
Round 2 Preseason WNIT games
Monday, Nov. 15, 2010
Toledo at Purdue, 7 p.m. ET 
DePaul at Missouri State, 8 p.m. ET
Hampton at South Dakota State, 8 p.m. ET
Consolation Rounds 1&2
Friday-Saturday, Nov. 19-20, 2010
Details to be announced Sunday, Nov. 14
Austin Peay
JMU
Lamar
Saint Francis PA
Utah Valley
Valparaiso