2013 Big Ten Women's Tournament Championship Open Thread

A champion will be crowned today, and it is in the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament. That means Purdue is involved. The Boilers have dominated this event, reaching the final for the 13th time in 19 tries. Today they will face Michigan State at 3pm on ESPN2, so Let's join in to bring home the title for the ninth time.

The teams split their two-game season series. Purdue won 67-62 in overtime at Michigan State on January 27, but the Spartans came to Mackey Arena and won 68-61 on February 28. This is only the second time Michigan State has ever reached the Big Ten Tournament championship too.

After some struggles this season that included five losses in seven game the Boilers have played very well in the tournament here. They are going to go to the NCAA Tournament regardless of the outcome, but a victory today seals the automatic bid. It also can raise Purdue's seed out of the dangerous 8/9 range and an almost certain second round exit against UConn, Notre Dame, or Baylor.

Purdue's 23-8 record is more than good enough to get into the NCAA Tournament regardless of today's outcome, as they have already played UConn and Notre Dame once in non-conference play. The one truly atrocious loss was at Indiana on February 20.