USC Trojans Edge Out Wildcats in Double Overtime Showdown at McKale Center
The University of Southern California Trojans, ranked 7th, secured a hard-fought victory over the Arizona Wildcats with a final score of 95-93. The Trojans now hold an impressive record, while the Wildcats' performance this season has been less consistent. The game was a nail-biter that extended into double overtime before the Trojans emerged victorious.
The USC Trojans displayed remarkable resilience at the McKale Center as they battled through six quarters to clinch their latest win. Their scoring was consistent throughout, starting with 16 points in the first quarter and culminating in a decisive 10-point effort in the second overtime period. The team's offensive execution was highlighted by their 50 points in the paint and an additional 18 points off turnovers.
Defensively, USC made their presence felt with eight steals and four blocks, contributing to their overall dominance on court. They also outrebounded Arizona with a total of 38 rebounds; offensive boards accounted for nearly half of these, showcasing USC's tenacity under both baskets.
USC's free throw accuracy played a pivotal role in their victory as they made 76 percent from the line compared to Arizona's near-perfect rate. However, it was USC’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities that truly set them apart – they scored an impressive 18 second-chance points against Arizona’s eight.
Despite facing fierce competition from Arizona who had nine steals and led three-point percentage by making an outstanding 58 percent from beyond the arc compared to USC’s more modest but still effective rate of one-third success rate from downtown – it was ultimately not enough to overcome USC’s balanced attack and clutch performance when it mattered most.
As fans look forward to future matchups, attention turns towards another challenging encounter for the University of Southern California Trojans as they prepare for an away game against Arizona State Sun Devils at Desert Financial Arena located in Tempe. This upcoming contest is scheduled for March 2nd at 11:00 AM local time (Mountain Standard Time). Fans can catch all live action broadcasted on Pac-12 Network ensuring not a moment is missed from what promises to be another exciting chapter in college basketball.