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A young USC basketball team had struggled closing games throughout the season. The Trojans gave up easy victories in the final moments, lost at the buzzard, and were left heartbroken after a triple overtime game. However, in the first round of the PAC-12 Tournament against the Arizona State Sun Devils, USC showed it has the ability to win close games.
After trailing by as much as 14 points in the second half, the Trojans went on an impressive run over the final nine minutes of the game. Freshman Elijah Stewart scored 10 straight points that jumpstarted a 20-4 USC run to close out the game. The Trojan defense would hold the Arizona to just one field goal and two free throws.
The highlight of the night took place with just seconds to go. Down by one, Washington guard Shaquille McKissic beat guard Julian Jacobs off the dribble and attacked the rim in hope of putting his team ahead. Fortunately for Trojan fans, sophomore Nikola Jovanovic was able to slide over and block the shot, securing a Trojan victory. Stewart would hit two free throws, bringing his career high up to 27 points.
Check out the heart racing highlights below. The Trojan's win was their first PAC-12 Tournament win in 4 years and the first time a No. 12 seed has ever won. The Trojans will face UCLA tomorrow afternoon in the quarterfinals.