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The victory was only assured after a replay review and set off a wild celebration at midcourt as Purdue (18-14) assured itself of keeping the nation's fifth-longest NCAA tournament streak intact. Purdue will make its 15th straight appearance this year after clinching the conference's automatic bid by defending its 2007 tourney title.
The Boilermakers were led by Freeman with 12 points and Kalika France with 11. Danielle Campbell and Keshia Mosley each had 10 points.
Illinois (19-14) was led by Jenna Smith with 19 points and 12 rebounds, but the Fighting Illini missed a chance to become only the third team from a Bowl Championship Series conference to win a conference title with four wins in four consecutive days.
The Illini, seeded ninth, were the lowest seed to ever reach the Big Ten championship and wore down in the final minutes.
After taking a 30-28 halftime lead, Illinois appeared to take control early in the second half when Rebecca Harris hit a 3 and then put in a layup with 17:30 left to make it 37-32.
Purdue methodically trimmed the lead and eventually tied the score at 48 when Danielle Campbell made two free throws with 7:59 left. FahKara Malone then turned a steal into a layup, sparking an 8-2 run that gave Purdue a 56-50 lead.
The Illini rallied, getting back-to-back 3s from Smith and Harris to tie it at 56 with 2:55 left.
And while both teams missed scoring chances in the final minutes, it was Freeman's gutsy effort and quick release that won it.
Lacey Simpson had 15 points and seven rebounds, and Harris finished with 12 points for the Illini.
Malone, the 5-foot-3 guard, was named the tournament's most outstanding player.
[Associated Press; By MICHAEL MAROT]
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