USC
23-11
Arizona
27-7
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Trojans Fall Short in Pac-12 Title Game Against Arizona, 75-61
March 10, 2018 | Men's Basketball, Features
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Deandre Ayton had 32 points and 18 rebounds, leading No. 15 Arizona to its second straight Pac-12 tournament title with a 75-61 victory over USC on Saturday night.
Ayton had 32 points and 14 rebounds in a semifinal win over UCLA. He made 14 of 20 shots from the floor and all four of his free throws to lead Arizona (27-8) to its ninth Pac-12 title.
Nick Rakocevic led USC (23-11) with 13 points.
The Trojans have played without Bennie Boatright since Feb. 15, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury, and backup point guard Derryck Thornton missed the semifinals due to an illness.
In the title game, USC had success getting into the lane and with its pick-and-roll on offense while giving the Wildcats trouble with its zone.
Arizona had success getting to the offensive glass - eight in the first half - and by getting the ball to Ayton, who had 13 points and eight rebounds by halftime.
USC led 33-30.
Ayton continued to have his way in the second half and USC went down a big man when Chimezie Metu picked up his fourth foul with 12 minutes left.
Arizona took off from there - literally.
Dunks from Ayton and Rawle Alkins put Arizona up 53-46.
Ayton kept dunking and the crowd kept roaring until the confetti cannons went off for Arizona's second straight title.
BIG PICTURE
USC likely locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament after its semifinal victory, but might sweat a little on Selection Sunday.
UP NEXT
USC will play in the postseason, hoping it will be in the NCAA Tournament.
