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USC runs the table, wins Pac-10 Tournament
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AP Photo/Matt Sayles
In a stunning performance, the 6th-seeded USC Trojans men’s basketball team rallied to overcome a fifteen point first half deficit to upset the Arizona State Sun Devils 66-63 and take the Pac-10 Tournament championship. The Sun Devils, ranked 23rd in the nation, were coming off an impressive win over the Pac-10 Champion Washington Huskies on Saturday.
ASU got off to an early start and lead the Trojans 39-24 at the half. It looked like they might run away with it but the Trojans stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Sun Devils, 42-24.
DeMar DeRozan was the star of the game for the USC Trojans, putting in yet another strong performance. DeRozan’s play has been incredible of late and he was nothing short of magnificent, dropping 25 points on 10 of 17 shooting against the Sun Devils. DeRozan also chipped in with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in the USC victory.
The turning point in the game came with under a minute left to play when Dwight Lewis hit yet another clutch three-point shot. Lewis’ three-pointer brought the Trojans to within one point of the Sun Devils; and, two Daniel Hackett free-throws later, the Trojans were on top.
Taj Gibson, the Pac-10 leader in blocked shots, registered what could be the biggest blocked shot of his USC career, when he deflected James Harden’s runner with time winding down. While Gibson’s play was not quite the all-around performance seen in the previous two games, his one play against Harden secured the Trojans victory and, ultimately, the Pac-10 Tournament title.
Daniel Hackett had another excellent performance and was a key contributor down the stretch, once again hitting clutch free-throws when the Trojans needed them most. Hackett finished the game with 19 points and 6 rebounds.
While it was likely that the Trojans would have secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament based on their win against UCLA, they erased all worries that come with selection Sunday and are now guaranteed a ticket to the “big dance.” In what can only be described as their biggest victory of the season, the Trojan nation salutes the fine efforts of the men’s basketball team and wishes them best of luck in the NCAA Tournament.
Update: Congratulations to DeMar DeRozan who was named Offensive Player of the Tournament.
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