Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/448706
GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 17 • 20 sota, are ranked as well, and on the road. "I think some people feel the pres- sure of the games," Bays said. "Because we do great in practice and really execute in practice, but in games it's a different story at times." Versyp wants to try to lessen that pressure, saying the goal now is improve- ment, rather than the wins or losses. Better communication, she says, could help. "Good communication, con- tinue to get closer," the ninth-year coach said. "Understand vulnerabili- ties. I think we did that (Friday), kind of got a clean slate and got some feelings and emotions out. I think that's all good. When you bottle things up, that's not always good. All of us, not putting pressure or stress on other another, just getting out there and playing. I don't know where that came from, just the last two games, and really the last game (vs. the Badgers), but it's a young team feeling certain things and we have to grow." LOOKING TO SHOOT If Purdue is to get going, it needs to shoot better. The Boilermakers' offense ranks last or near last in the Big Ten in most offensive cat- egories, like scoring (12th at 66.1 points per game) and field goal percentage (14th at 38.8 percent). "We've got to be able to shoot the basketball better," Versyp said. "If the lid comes off at the right time, then things will be good for us." Opponents take notice of Purdue's shooting woes, packing their defensive scheme into the paint and letting the Boilermakers have open looks from the perimeter. But even with the openings, Purdue's not hitting. At least not hitting regularly enough to cause problems. "It's just confidence, feeling comfortable," Versyp said. "Stepping in (to shots) and doing the things we need to do. Setting the tempo, I thought our transition was good, but people are going to back off and force us to shoot from the outside. Sometimes when people are guarding you, it's easier to shoot, rather than when people are backed off of you when you're a little more hesitant. "We'll continue to get more shots up. Once a couple shots fall, good things happen." j Tom Campbell Sharon Versyp is stressing improvement for her struggling team, which is in its longest losing streak in the Big Ten since 2011-12. It's all on GoldandBlack.com The best Purdue sports information on the web • Real-time recruiting • Game stories, analysis and blogs • Premium message boards • Video, audio, live stream events and more • Exclusive access to premium information Part of the Rivals.com network Free trials available Note: GoldandBlack.com is a separate subscription from Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black EXPRESS.