Purdue women claim Big Ten title

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (WLFI) - Purdue women's basketball claimed the Big Ten Tournament title on Sunday with a 62-47 win over Michigan State at the Sears Centre. It is the ninth league tournament title for the Boilermakers.

Purdue led by as many as 23 points in the first half. The Boilermakers took a 33-14 lead in to halftime. Michigan State cut the lead to 9 points with 5:44 to go in the first half, but that is as close as the Spartans would get.

Purdue's defense held Michigan State to just 32 percent shooting from the field.

Purdue's Drey Mingo led the team in scoring with 24 points. Purdue's Courtney Moses added 16 points and KK Houser added 10 points.

"It's a different kind of feeling. It's two different teams (2013 and 2012 Purdue Big Ten Tournament title teams)," Moses said. "I feel like this year that we want to something special in the NCAA's. We're very, very happy but we still aren't finished."

Mingo was named the Big Ten Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Moses and Houser were named to the All-Tournament Team.

"I felt like this team came in with a mission. We knew Michigan State was going to be a really tough team," Mingo said. "So I thought that everyone was locked in. Especially in the first half."  

Purdue has won Big Ten Tournament titles in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013. Prior to Purdue’s back-to-back titles, Ohio State was the last team to repeat as conference tournament champions in 2010 and 2011

"Fun-loving kids that care for others more than they care about themselves," said Purdue Head Coach Sharon Versyp. "And that just separates us right now." 

Purdue earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Purdue finds out its destination and seed on Monday.