Purdue Pushes to 2-0 Behind Karsh’s Hot Hand and Smith’s Late Surge

by: Michael Sanders

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Freshman guard Hila Karsh had a point to prove.

Behind her 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, the 21-year-old Israeli sharpshooter lit up Mackey Arena and helped Purdue pull away from Eastern Illinois, 82–67, on Thursday night. It was a game about rhythm, response, and resilience — and the Boilermakers had all three.

“I trust my teammates,” Karsh said. “I don’t want to force shots. My shot will come.”

Her confidence showed. Every time she rose to shoot, it felt like a sure thing. Karsh knocked down 5-of-7 from deep, grabbed seven rebounds, and fueled a Purdue offense that shot its way through early adversity. Head coach Katie Gearlds called her “special” — and you could see why.

“She’s played basketball for a really long time,” Gearlds said. “When she shoots it, I just think it’s going in every time. She makes our team better.”

While Karsh found her rhythm early, Kiki Smith found hers late — and with swagger. After missing her first six from beyond the arc, the Arkansas transfer stayed locked in. Then she exploded. Smith scored nine straight points in a personal scoring run that broke the game open, finishing with 19 points and two clutch threes down the stretch.

“For me, when I knock one down, it’s like, ‘I got this,’” Smith said. “The mindset of a shooter — you just keep shooting.”

Purdue also got a big lift from freshman Avery Gordon, who stepped in when the frontcourt ran into foul trouble. The 6-foot-7 center delivered eight points, six rebounds, and a huge putback that steadied the team late.

“Before the game, she told me, ‘I’m ready,’” Karsh said with a smile.

Gearlds couldn’t help but agree. “She’s gonna be really good,” the coach said. “She made big free throws, changed shots at the rim, and kept us steady.”

For Purdue, it was a performance built on adjustments — and trust. The Boilermakers attacked the glass, improved their defensive communication, and weathered every push from a tough EIU squad.

Final: Purdue 82, Eastern Illinois 67

Takeaway:
Karsh proved she’s more than a shooter — she’s a spark. Smith showed growth and composure under pressure. And Gordon gave a glimpse of the future. Two games in, Purdue isn’t just 2-0. They’re building chemistry, confidence, and an identity that travels.