Utah Utes women's basketball: France, Malone help Purdue beat Utah, 66-59

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Two months ago, Purdue had a losing record. Now, the Boilermakers are heading to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Kalika France and FahKara Malone scored 17 points each, and ninth-seeded Purdue beat No. 8 Utah 66-59 on Sunday night in the first round of the Oklahoma City regional.

Danielle Campbell added 14 points for the Boilermakers (19-14), who awaited the Tennessee-Oral Roberts winner.

Leilani Mitchell had 14 points, nine assists and six rebounds for Utah, but also had seven turnovers. Morgan Warburton led the Utes (27-5) with 18 points, and Kalee Whipple added 14 points and nine rebounds.

Purdue had lost four of six before winning three straight in the Big Ten tournament to earn the conference's automatic bid. The Boilermakers improved to 12-3 at home in their first-ever meeting with Utah.

Utah had won 22 straight before losing to Colorado State the Mountain West tournament, and then losing to Purdue.

The Boilermakers made 7 of 14 3-pointers to overcome Utah's 35-27 rebounding edge. Purdue shot 54 percent in the second half.

With the score tied at 52, Purdue went on a 6-0 run capped by Campbell's layup with 4:23 left. Natasha Bodganova's 3-pointer with a minute to play gave Purdue a 63-55 advantage, and the Boilermakers weren't challenged from there.

Utah led 17-14 in the first half before Purdue went on an 11-0 run that included four baskets by France to take a 23-17 lead.

Utah responded with a 7-0 run, with all points scored by Warburton, to take a 26-25 lead. The Utes led 29-28 at halftime.

Utah shot 52 percent in the first half while Purdue shot 33 percent.

The game featured 11 ties and 15 lead changes.