LAS VEGAS ¬— Utah made its case as the hottest team in the league tonight, defeating USC, 69-66, in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament.
The Utes have won three-straight, matching a season high.
Before last week, Utah had won only three games since New Year’s Day.
“I feel like we’re coming together when we need to come together,” center Jason Washburn said. “At the right time.”
Utah led 60-47 with 6:53 to play. USC scored the next 12.
Then, Jarred DuBois took over.
He made a jumper, then a three-pointer, then assisted on a dunk by Washburn.
By then, Utah led by six.
“I think it’s important as a senior that you try to do whatever you can to win,” said DuBois, who led all scorers with 22 points.
Trailing by three, USC coached a DuBois miss and made an outlet pass, but the ball was deflected. In the scramble, the Trojans were unable to get a shot away.
Utah, the No. 10 seed, advances to play Cal on Thursday.
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