Big Ten Conference women's basketball championship draws huge fan and alumni turnout
The Big Ten Conference's annual women’s basketball tournament is about to tip off. In its 25th year, the tournmanet continues to churn out powerhouse teams who compete for the national title.
The Big Ten Conference holds an annual women’s basketball tournament with the winner getting an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
The Big Ten features 14 teams, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers and Wisconsin.
The women’s basketball tournament began in 1995.
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Read below for a list of past tournament champions.
2021: MARYLAND
Maryland won a second consecutive Big Ten title. The Terrapins defeated Iowa, 104-84. Diamond Miller was named the Most Oustanding Player.
2020: MARYLAND
Maryland defeated Ohio State, 82-65, to win the Big Ten title. Ashley Owusu was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.
2019: IOWA
Megan Gustafson and the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten in 2019. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Iowa on the Big Ten over Maryland in 2019, 90-76. Megan Gustafson was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player (MOP).
2018: OHIO STATE
In 2018, Ohio State reclaimed the Big Ten title. They defeated Maryland, 79-69. Kelsey Mitchell was MOP of the tournament.
HORIZON LEAGUE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2017: MARYLAND
Maryland won a third straight title in 2017. They defeated Purdue, 74-64. Brionna Jones was named tournament MOP.
2016: MARYLAND
Maryland repeated as champions in 2016. The Terrapins defeated Michigan State, 60-44. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough was tournament MOP.
2015: MARYLAND
Maryland won the Big Ten for the first time in 2015. They defeated Ohio State, 77-74. Lexie Brown was named tournament MOP.
2014: NEBRASKA
Nebraska won its first Big Ten title in 2014. They defeated Iowa, 72-65. Rachel Theriot was named MOP.
2013: PURDUE
In 2013, Purdue won its ninth Big Ten title. They defeated Michigan State, 62-47. Drey Mingo was named MOP.
2012: PURDUE
Purdue won its first Big Ten title since 2008. The Boilermakers defeated Nebraska, 74-70, in 2012. Brittany Rayburn was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
2011: OHIO STATE
The Buckeyes won a third straight title in 2011. They defeated Penn State, 84-70. Jantel Lavender won a third consecutive MOP award.
2010: OHIO STATE
Ohio State won the Big Ten over Iowa, 66-64. Jantel Lavender was named MOP for a second straight year.
2009: OHIO STATE
Jantel Lavender, left, is the only three-time Big Ten Tournament MOP winner. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Ohio State started its reign in the Big Ten in 2009. The Buckeyes defeated Purdue, 67-66. Jantel Lavender was named MOP.
ACC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
2008: PURDUE
In 2008, Purdue repeated as champions. The Boilermakers edged Illinois 58-56. FahKara Malone was named MOP.
2007: PURDUE
Purdue won the title in 2007. They defeated Ohio State, 64-52. Katie Gearlds won the MOP award.
2006: OHIO STATE
Ohio State won the conference in 2006. The Buckeyes defeated Purdue, 63-60. Brandie Hoskins won the MOP award.
2005: MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State won its first Big Ten title. They defeated Minnesota, 54-49. Kristin Haynie was named tournament MOP.
2004: PURDUE
Purdue won a fifth conference title in 2004. They edged out Penn State, 59-58. Sherka Wright became the first multi-MOP winner.
2003: PURDUE
Purdue won the conference tournament in 2003. They defeated Ohio State, 67-65. Sherka Wright won the Most Outstanding Player award.
2002: INDIANA
Indiana won its first conference title in 2002. The Hoosiers knocked off Penn State, 75-72. Heather Cassidy was named MOP.
2001: IOWA
Iowa reclaimed Big Ten glory in 2001. They defeated Purdue, 75-70. Cara Consuegra was named MOP.
2000: PURDUE
Purdue won a third consecutive Big Ten title against Penn State, 71-63. Helen Darling was named MOP.
1999: PURDUE
Purdue repeated as conference champions in 1999. The Boilermakers defeated Illinois, 80-76. Stephanie White was named tournament MOP.
1998: PURDUE
Purdue won the Big Ten in 1998, 59-49, over Penn State. Andrea Garner, of Penn State, was named MOP.
AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY
1997: IOWA
In 1997, Iowa won the Big Ten. They defeated Illinois, 63-56. Angela Hamblin was named tournament MOP.
1996: PENN STATE
Penn State won the second-ever Big Ten Conference tournament in 1995. They defeated Purdue, 71-69. Angie Potthoff was tournament MOP.
1995: PENN STATE
Penn State won the first Big Ten Conference tournament in 1995. They beat Ohio State, 68-63. Miss Masley was named tournament MOP.