USC men’s basketball falls in Big Ten Tournament opener

CHICAGO — Here it came. It almost felt inevitable.

The dreaded USC second-half collapse.

Once leading by 13 points in their Big Ten Tournament opener, the Trojans found themselves trailing in the final minutes Wednesday after their defense folded and their offense created one empty possession after another.

But there was a new twist this time.

The Trojans got to overtime before faltering again.

It was the cruelest of endings after USC fell, 83-79, to Washington at the United Center, giving the Trojans an eighth consecutive loss. 

Walking off the court with their heads down, there was plenty of consoling to do. USC reserve guard EJ Neal Jr. draped an arm around Kam Woods as the teammates headed for the tunnel.

Moments earlier, USC (18-14) had a chance to go ahead when Woods drove but missed a layup. Washington’s Zoom Diallo grabbed the rebound and was fouled with 11.4 seconds left, sending him to the line. He made both shots to give the Huskies an 82-79 lead.

After calling a timeout with eight seconds to set up a final play, the Trojans got the ball to Jordan Marsh, who missed an off-balance, leaning 3-pointer.

Hannes Steinbach grabbed the rebound with 2.4 seconds left, made 1 of 2 free throws after getting fouled, and that was that.

USC had plenty of chances in the extra period, but Woods missed the front end of a one-and-one and Ezra Ausar missed two free throws.

After the Trojans fell behind by four points, Woods made a floater and was fouled with 36 seconds left. He made the free throw, pulling the Trojans within 80-79.

USC then trapped Diallo on the sideline, forcing a turnover with 24.2 seconds left to get the ball back. Another empty possession was on the way.

What it means

USC needed a lift — and some life — after a dark stretch filled with losses and the dismissal of leading scorer Chad Baker-Mazara.

The Trojans couldn’t get it and now no longer harbor even the remotest hopes of making the NCAA Tournament.

Turning point

Given recent trends, it was almost as if everyone was waiting for a second-half collapse from USC.

It finally came midway through the final 20 minutes.

Washington went on a 13-0 run, surging into a 60-58 lead on a Diallo putback.

MVP

Even though he couldn’t come through at the end, Woods orchestrated USC’s ability to solve Washington’s 2-3 zone.

The graduate guard also saved a possible turnover in the backcourt early in the second half by poking the ball toward himself in the corner and then driving baseline for a layup.

Woods finished with 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds. As a sign of appreciation for Woods, all four teammates ran over to help him up when he went down along the baseline in the second half.

Up next

Washington (16-16) advanced to play fifth-seeded Wisconsin in the quarterfinals on Thursday afternoon. USC must decide if it wants to play in the National Invitation Tournament.

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