INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The No. 2 Michigan State Spartans move onto the Big Ten Tournament final after taking down No. 18 Maryland 64 – 61.
Denzel Valentine led the Spartans with a double-double, 18 points and 10 assists, along with 7 rebounds.
The Big Ten 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.
Michigan State (28-5) has 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 Terps. 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.
