Double Overtime Isn’t Good for the Trojans

There’s less than a month left in the Pac-10 regular season, and USC had better hope that its 87-79 double-overtime loss to Washington on Thursday didn’t fray its season beyond repair.

Washington, 16-6 overall and 9-4 in the Pac-10, ended a three-game losing streak to USC by outscoring the Trojans, 11-3, in the second extra session at the Sports Arena. The Trojans had only one basket in the final five minutes, a three-pointer by Jamie Hagiya with 2:47 to play.

The Huskies kept a grip on third place in the Pac-10 thanks in part to 25 points by Cameo Hicks -- one of four Huskies in double figures -- and in part to a 64-49 rebounding edge that helped them overcome a 33.3% shooting night.

“This was huge for us,” Washington Coach June Daugherty said. “Their guard play is so tough -- they’re always a threat especially from the three-point line -- but we did what we do; defend hard and rebound. We’re very proud to get the win here.”

USC (14-9, 8-6), which led, 37-34, at halftime, overcame a 13-point second-half deficit to force the overtimes. The Trojans got a career-best 24 points from Eshaya Murphy and 20 points from Camille LeNoir, but could not avoid a second straight loss while committing 29 turnovers (10 by LeNoir). The loss dropped USC into fifth place.

“This group has always been able to bounce back in the two years I’ve them,” USC Coach Mark Trakh said. “I said what I had to say to them afterward but I can’t be mad at them. We had a chance to win the game. I don’t think it will have an effect on us. If we’re good enough to win those [last four] games, we will. If we’re not, we won’t.”

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-- Mike Terry

UCLA 77, Washington State 50 -- Lisa Willis had 17 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bruins at Pauley Pavilion.

Noelle Quinn and Nikki Blue had 15 points apiece for the Bruins (14-9, 9-5 Pac-10), who have won four of their last five. Willis was six for 13 from the field, Blue five for seven and Quinn six for 12. Willis, Blue and Quinn were a combined 11 for 11 from the free-throw line.

Washington State (7-15, 1-12) has lost 14 of 15 after starting the season 6-1. Keisha Moore led the Cougars with 17 points and Crystal Blue had 12.

From the Associated Press