Washington Huskies Triumph Over USC Trojans in Overtime
In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Washington Huskies edged past the USC Trojans, securing an 83-79 victory in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament held on Wednesday. Zoom Diallo delivered an impressive performance, contributing 22 points and 11 assists overall, with crucial plays in overtime that included the decisive basket that shifted momentum in favor of the Huskies.
Key Performances
Despite facing foul trouble, having picked up his fourth foul early in the second half, Diallo showcased resilience by scoring 15 of his total points during the second half and overtime period. He was supported by Quimari Peterson and Wesley Yates III, both scoring 15 points each, with Peterson particularly notable for sinking five three-pointers. Hannes Steinbach, another key contributor for the Huskies, registered a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds after being pivotal in previous matchups against USC earlier in the season.
Trojans’ Struggles
On the other side, Kam Woods led the Trojans with 24 points and seven assists, but the 14th-seeded USC team fell short once again, marking their eighth consecutive loss. Jacob Cofie added 14 points to the tally, while teammates Jordan Marsh, Ezra Ausar, and Ryan Cornish contributed 13, 10, and 10 points, respectively.
Game Highlights
The Trojans built a solid lead, at one point ahead by 13 points in the latter half but saw Washington mount a comeback with a formidable 20-4 scoring run that flipped the game on its head, giving them a 64-61 advantage with just six minutes remaining in regulation. The contest saw intense moments, including a tie at 71 with a minute to go, but crucial missed shots from both teams on their final possessions led to the overtime showdown.
Decisive Moments
Diallo’s key basket with 2:18 left in overtime set the stage for the Huskies, who extended their lead with a three-pointer from Peterson shortly thereafter. Although Woods attempted to rally the Trojans with a late three-point play, a series of turnovers and missed opportunities proved costly. With 24 seconds on the clock, Diallo was fouled and made both free throws to secure the necessary points for the win.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Washington, seeded 12th in the tournament (16-16 overall), advances to face fifth-seeded Ohio State in the quarterfinals, a rematch following an earlier win over the Buckeyes earlier this season.
