INDIANAPOLIS, IN- No.9 Purdue beat No.8 Michigan State 72-63 in game three of the Big Ten Women’s tournament Thursday afternoon.
It was a game of defense for the Boilers forcing 4 turnovers early in the first quarter. Purdue then went on a 9-0 run to end the first quarter up 20-11.
Michigan State recorded 12 offensive rebounds in the second period but could not get a handle on the ball turning it over 5 times allowing Purdue to Pick up 11 points off of turnovers. Ae’Rianna Harris was calling the shots on the defensive end with 7 blocks. The Boilermakers held the Spartans to 23 percent shooting in the first half. Purdue got it done on the offensive end knocking down five threes to lead 37-26 at the half.
Michigan State went on a two-minute scoring drought in the third period shooting 4-20 from the field. However, the Spartans were able to force seven Purdue turnovers with an eight-point run that brought them to within six with just over a minute to go.
Leading the way for the Boilers was Karissa McLaughlin with 17 points and 7 assists. Fatou Diagne had 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Harris joined the double double club with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 rebounds.
Nia Clouden led Michigan State with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
The Boilermakers advance to meet No.1 Maryland at Noon ET on Friday.
