Wichita State struggles continue as the Shockers dropped their third straight game with an 86-49 loss to Purdue in the first game of the Cancun Challenge in Cancun, Mexico. The Shockers shot 36% from the field while Purdue shot 52% on Thursday.

Purdue took at 12-point lead after the first quarter before going on a 14-2 scoring run to extend their lead 40-16 with 4:15 left in the second quarter. A three-pointer before the buzzer by junior  Aundra Stovall gave cut the deficit 48-25  heading into the locker room.

The Shockers began the third quarter by scoring two straight baskets to cut the Purdue lead under 20, scoring two layups by senior Brittany Martin and junior Diamond Lockhart. A layup by TaQuandra Mike cut the deficit to 16 points with just over three minutes left, but the Boilermakers drained a three to go back up by 21 with two minutes left in the third quarter.

The Boilermakers ended the game on a 22-4 run in the fourth quarter, starting the quarter on an 11-0 run to go up by 30 points with five minutes left. Purdue outrebounded the Shockers 38-26 and forced WSU to commit 18 turnovers. Junior Rangie Bessard led the Shockers with 12 points and six rebounds. Mike added 11 points with two assists in 21 minutes of play.

Four out of the five starters for Purdue scored in double figures that added to 20 team assists.

WSU (1-3) will play No. 11 Stanford on Friday in the second game of the Cancun Challenge. The Cardinal come in with a 4-1 record after beating Northeastern 74-45 on Thursday.