After scoring only nine points in the first quarter, Minnesota was never able to get back into the game, falling 80-66 against Purdue.

Amidst a three-game losing streak, the Golden Gophers traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana, looking to get back in the win column against the 12-7 Purdue Boilermakers Thursday.

Freshman Alanna Micheaux returned to the starting lineup for Minnesota, after Bailey Helgren took her place on Sunday against Michigan State. Michaeux was joined by the other four usual four starters; Jasmine Powell, Sara Scalia, Deja Winters and Kadi Sissoko.

The Gophers were not able to find their footing in the first quarter. After shooting four of 16 from the field as a team, they quickly found themselves in an 18-9 deficit.

They would respond in quarter number two. Two big threes from Deja Winters led to a 17-12 difference between the two teams for the quarter, but Purdue led 30-26 heading into the break.

The third quarter was much of the same issues for Minnesota. Sara Scalia led the way with seven points, but two of 9 shooting from the rest of the team was too much to overcome. Purdue extended its lead to 57-44.

With only 10 minutes remaining, the Gophers faced an uphill battle. They responded with their most efficient quarter of the game, shooting 50% from the field. Deja Winters led the way with nine points, but it was not enough.

A 35% night shooting from the field was too much to overcome for the Gophers falling 80-66 to Purdue, dropping their fourth straight game.

A poor night on shooting did not tell the whole story for Minnesota. A 15-9 deficit in turnovers and a 38-24 difference in points scored in the paint did not help the cause to break out of its slump.

Minnesota will now shift its focus to a border-battle matchup against 5-13 Wisconsin at Williams Arena on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.