The game I watched more thoroughly at this slot was the Pac-10 title game, USC vs. Arizona State. This was a remarkable game for a lot of reasons. Most importantly, if USC won it would steal a bid from a bubble team. Second, ASU didn't attempt a free throw until 4:30 was left in the game. Anyway, it didn't initially look like the Trojans could pull off the 4-games-in-4-days auto-bid run, as they went into half down 39-24, showing little offensive movement and no defensive intensity.
Tim Floyd must have lit into them at half, because they came out possessed, and immediately started to close the gap. Demar DeRozan finally showed the country why he will be likely one-and-done, scoring 25 on a wide array of offensive moves and fastbreak opportunities created by defense. USC couldn't get over the hump though. They would cut the lead to 3, and ASU would push it back to 5 or 6, and that happend a couple of times. It looked like more of the same when Derek Glasser put ASU ahead 62-57 with a tough runner in the lane after USC had built up momentum yet again. The shot beat the shot clock buzzer, so it seemed like one of those baskets that could beat back a rally, quiet the crowd, etc. But Daniel Hackett responded with a free throw line jumper, after which James Harden went 1 for 2 from the line. Down 63-59 with 1:10 left, DeRozan drove and threw a looong skip pass to Dwight Lewis, who drained a monster 3 from the right corner.
After a non-call on James Harden drives, Hackett hit 2 free throws to give USC their first lead since 5-4. Harden drove again, but was denied by a great block by Taj Gibson, who drew Harden twice on defensive switches and held his own. Gibson grabbed the rebound, was immediately fouled, and hit 1 of 2. Harden missed a 3, Dwight Lewis made 1 of 2 free throws, game. USC 66 ASU 63.
This was a pretty great game, though relatively tame compared to some of the Big East craziness. I also can't say I'm sad to see more Pac-10 cheerleaders joining the party....just...wow.
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