Some of the biggest names in Big Ten women's basketball will be on display in the conference's championship game between top-seeded Ohio State and third-seeded Iowa today at 4:30 p.m. at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Five All-Big Ten selections, including the three-time Big Ten Player of the Year and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, will take to the court for the right to call themselves conference champions and for an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State junior center Jantel Lavender was named the conference's top player for the third consecutive season. Lavender averaged a double-double with a league-best 20.8 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game.
Joining Lavender as a First Team All-Big Ten selection is fellow Buckeye, sophomore guard Samantha Prahalis. The Commack, N.Y. native led the conference with 259 assists at an 8.09 per-game average.
The Hawkeyes also boast a First Teamer. Junior guard Kachine Alexander earned the honor after averaging a double-double with 15.7 points per game and a conference-best 11.1 rebounds per game.
Iowa also produced two Third Team All-Big Ten choices, including the Big Ten Freshman of the Year in guard Jaime Printy. The Marion, Iowa native averaged 15.3 points per game in her initial collegiate campaign. Also getting the Third Team nod is Iowa sophomore guard Kamille Wahlin, who led the conference with 76 3-point field goals made.
Ohio State handled Illinois in the quarterfinals and rallied past Wisconsin in the semifinals to reach the tournament's ultimate round.
The Hawkeyes, dubbed Bluder's Bunch in reference to head coach Lisa Bluder, beat Penn State in the quarterfinals and squeaked by second-seeded Michigan State in the semifinals.
A lot of star power will shine in Conseco Fieldhouse today, and a champion will be crowned. Stay tuned.
