Pac-10: USC 59, Arizona State 55

USC’s Daniel Hackett tries to steal the ball from Arizona State’s Eric Boateng in the Pac-10 Tournament at Staples Center Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Daniel Hackett knocks the ball away from Arizona State’s Rihards Kuksiks, left, and Jeff Pendergraph during their quarterfinal game at the Pac-10 Tournament at Staples Center Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Arizona State’s Jeff Pendergraph slams home a rebound, a basket that would have tied the Pac-10 tournament semifinal at 57-57 in the final minute. But Pendergraph was called for a foul on Devon Jefferson on the play, allowing USC to escape with a 59-55 victory Thursday at Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Taj Gibson blocks a shot by Arizona State’s Eric Boateng Thursday at the Pac-10 Tournament at Staples Center Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s O.J. Mayo splits the Arizona State defense while driving to the basket at the Pac-10 Tournament at Staples Center Thursday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Daniel Hackett strips the ball from Arizona State’s James Harden in the second half Thursday at Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Arizona State’s Derek Glasser lands on USC’s O.J. Mayo during the first half Thursday afternoon at Staples Center.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

USC’s Dwight Lewis tries to poke the ball away from Arizona State’s Jarren Ship but ends up grabbing his arm while attempting a shot Thursday at Staples Center.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)