The Michigan State Spartans win the Big Ten Tournament title defeating Purdue 66-62.
For the Spartans it is their fifth Big Ten Tournament title.
Denzel Valentine finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to lead No. 2 Michigan State past No. 13 Purdue 66-62 in Sunday's Big Ten Tournament championship game.
He was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after flirting with triple-doubles on three consecutive days. Michigan State (29-5) has won 13 of 14 and has its fifth tourney title, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Purdue (26-8) was led by Vince Edwards with 19 points while A.J. Hammons and Caleb Swanigan had 11 each.
Michigan State took control with two 9-0 runs late in the first half and extended the margin to as much as 46-33 early in the second.
The Boilermakers charged back and got as close as 62-61 with 2:50 left when Rapheal Davis made two free throws.
But Valentine made a 16-footer with 1:45 left and the Spartans didn't give up another basket.
After the game Coach Izzo commented on what this win means for the senior class and he said that he was "so proud." And when asked if he thought Michigan State would get the number one seed in the NCAA Tournament, he said, "I don't know."
CHAMPIONS! Victory for MSU! Michigan State wins its fifth #B1GTourney title, beating Purdue 66-62. pic.twitter.com/6pfX5lZk0s
— Spartan Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 13, 2016
