Big Ten Roundup: Valentine leads Michigan State to final against Purdue

INDIANAPOLIS – Denzel Valentine had 18 points, 10 assists and seven boards to lead No. 2 Michigan State past No. 18 Maryland 64-61 in Saturday’s Big Ten Tournament semifinal.

The league’s player of the year sealed it with two free throws with 0.8 seconds to go, and Melo Trimble’s desperation heave from 55 feet away didn’t get past midcourt.

The Spartans (28-5) have won 12 of 13 and will face No. 13 Purdue in Sunday’s title game.

Robert Carter Jr. had 18 points and eight rebounds to lead the Terrapins (25-8). Trimble finished with 11 points.

Despite making only two baskets over the final 10 1/2 minutes, the Terrapins still could have taken the lead after Valentine missed the front end of a one-and-one.

Trimble drove in for a layup, but the shot appeared to be deflected and Valentine grabbed the rebound and was immediately fouled.

No. 13 Purdue 76, Michigan 59: A.J. Hammons had 27 points and 11 rebounds, and the Boilermakers (26-7) beat the Wolverines (22-12) to advance to the Big Ten Tournament championship.

Hammons made 11 of 17 shots, mostly from inside. Vince Edwards added 13 points, and Isaac Haas finished with 11. Purdue is seeking its first Big Ten Tournament title since 2009 against Michigan State.

Muhammad-Ali Abdur-Rahkman led Michigan with 15 points. Derrick Walton Jr. scored 14 points and Zak Irvin had 11.

Eighth-seeded Michigan (22-12) was playing its third game in three days.