ASU Edges USC in Pac-10 Opener, 84-81
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| Ahlon Lewis (11) looks for an opening over USC's Elias Ayuso. (Click photo for larger version) |
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - Led by senior guard Jeremy Veal with 24 points, Arizona State broke an 11-game conference losing streak with an 84-81 victory over Southern California on Saturday.
Forward Mike Batiste had 20 points and guard Eddie House had 17 as Arizona State (11-3) won its 10th straight home game. The team also surpassed its 1996-97 victory total when it was 10-20.
Pac-10 rival Southern California (4-7) lost its sixth straight game.
Southern California guard Gary Johnson hit a three-pointer with 39.9 seconds left to bring the game to 78-76.
Behzad Souferian made a three-pointer with 5.3 seconds remaining to cut Arizona State's lead to 82-81.
But Ahlon Lewis hit two free throws and Johnson's forced 3-point attempt with one second remaining was short.
Arizona State made nine of 10 free throw attempts in the final two minutes.
Arizona State's Pac-10 losing streak dated to a 78-75 overtime victory over Oregon State on Jan. 25, 1997.
Johnson and Anthony White led Southern California with 12 points apiece. Adam Spanich and Kevin Augustine head 11 points apiece for the Trojans.