By JOHN MARSHALL , AP Basketball Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Deandre Ayton had 32 points and 18 rebounds in one of the most dominating performances in Pac-12 Tournament history, leading No. 15 Arizona to its second straight title with a 75-61 victory over Southern California on Saturday night.
Ayton put on a show along The Strip, bouncing back from a nervous Pac-12 opener with two dominating games.
The Bahamian big man had 32 points and 14 rebounds in a semifinal win over UCLA and knocked the Trojans (23-11) around like bowling pins in the championship game. Ayton made 14 of 20 shots from the floor and all four of his free throws to lead Arizona (27-8) to its ninth Pac-12 title.
Nick Rakocevic led USC with 13 points.
Both teams fought through adversity to reach the title game.
Arizona was twice entangled in a federal investigation into shady recruiting practices. USC was named in the probe as well, leading to sophomore De’Anthony Melton to be ruled ineligible this season.
The Trojans also have played without Bennie Boatright since Feb. 15, when he suffered a season-ending knee injury, and backup point guard Derryck Thornton missed the semifinals due to an illness.
In the title game, USC had success getting into the lane and with its pick-and-roll on offense while giving the Wildcats trouble with its zone.
Arizona had success getting to the offensive glass — eight in the first half — and by getting the ball to Ayton, who had 13 points and eight rebounds by halftime.
USC led 33-30.
Ayton continued to have his way in the second half and USC went down a big man when Chimezie Metu picked up his fourth foul with 12 minutes left.
Arizona took off from there — literally.
Rawle Alkins brought the pro-Arizona crowd to a roar with a two-handed dunk over Elijah Stewart and Ayton followed with another dunk to make it even louder, putting Arizona up 53-46.
Ayton kept dunking and the crowd kept roaring until the confetti cannons went off for Arizona’s second straight title.
BIG PICTURE
USC likely locked up a spot in the NCAA Tournament after its semifinal victory, but might sweat a little on Selection Sunday
Arizona is looking like one of the nation’s best teams at just the right time and should get a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
UP NEXT
USC will play in the postseason, hoping it will be in the NCAA Tournament.
Arizona will be a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.
