Williams Overall Play Leads Boilermakers to Final

by: Nick Jenkinson

The third seed Purdue Boilermakers beat the seventh seed Michigan State Spartans 75-70 in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament sponsored by TIAA at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis Saturday afternoon. The Boilers will face fifth seed Iowa tomorrow at 3:30 for the Championship game and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on the line. Purdue is in the championship for the fifth time. The Boilers are looking for their second ever Big Ten Tournament title as they beat Ohio State 65-61 in 2009 as a three seed like they are this year. Purdue lost in championship game in 1998, 2016 and 2018.

Purdue (26-6) was led in scoring by with 22 points from Jaden Ivey, Trevion Williams added 15 points and crisp passing when the game was on the line to Eric Hunter, Jr.

Purdue shot 25-57 from the field for 44 percent, 8-24 from three-point range for 33 percent and 17-25 from the field for 68 percent. The Boilers pulled down 44 rebounds, dished out 10 assists, three blocks and three steals. Purdue committed nine turnovers.

Gabe Brown Led Michigan State with 16 Points A.J. Hoogard added 17 points and 10 assists. The Spartans shot 30-69 for 43 percent from the field, 7-25 from three-point range for 28 percent and 3-6 from three-point range for 50 percent. The Spartans pulled down 35 rebounds, dished out 16 assists, six steals and 3 blocks. The Spartans committed four turnovers for the entire game.

Purdue led 27-20 at halftime and Michigan State outscored Purdue in the second half 50-48. Purdue was in control for most of the game. The game was tied three times and three lead changes. Michigan State who hit a shot and Purdue would respond with an answer with the Spartans not being able to get over the hump when Purdue knocked down big shots in the second half and advance to the championship game.

Photo by: Tony Harper, Excel H Sports/Indiana Sports Network

Purdue is looking to become the third number three seed to win the Big Ten Tournament. Purdue did it 2009 and Michigan State knocked of Michigan 69-65 in 2014.