In a thrilling overtime showdown at the Big Ten Tournament, Zoom Diallo led Washington to an 83-79 victory over USC, showcasing his clutch performance with 22 points and 11 assists. Diallo's go-ahead basket in overtime was the highlight, setting the stage for the Huskies to advance and face Ohio State in the quarterfinals.
Diallo was nothing short of relentless, scoring 15 of his points in the second half and overtime, even while managing foul trouble. His ability to stay composed and effective under pressure was a game-changer.
Quimari Peterson was dialed in from beyond the arc, nailing five 3-pointers for his 15 points, while Wesley Yates III matched that output with his own 15. Hannes Steinbach, who had been a thorn in USC's side during the regular season, contributed a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
For USC, Kam Woods put up a valiant effort with 24 points and seven assists, but it wasn't enough to halt the Trojans' skid, marking their eighth consecutive loss. Jacob Cofie, Jordan Marsh, Ezra Ausar, and Ryan Cornish all chipped in with double-digit scoring, but the collective effort fell just short.
The game was a rollercoaster, with USC holding a 13-point lead in the second half before Washington ignited a 20-4 run, flipping the script and taking a 64-61 lead with six minutes to go. Tied at 71 with a minute left in regulation, both teams had chances, but neither Diallo nor Woods could convert, pushing the contest into overtime.
In the extra period, Diallo's decisive bucket gave Washington the lead, and Peterson's timely 3-pointer extended it. Despite Woods' efforts to keep USC in the game, his missed drive and subsequent foul on Diallo sealed the Trojans' fate. Diallo's free throws provided the cushion Washington needed, and after Marsh's missed 3-pointer, Steinbach added the final touch from the line.
Washington's victory sets up a rematch with Ohio State, a team they bested earlier in the season. With momentum on their side, the Huskies are poised to make another statement in the tournament.