USC Triumphs Over Rutgers in Double-OT Thriller at Big Ten Tournament

Desmond Claude's 28-point performance propels the Trojans to a 97-89 victory, advancing them to face Purdue in the second round.

USC, the No. 14 seed, defeated No. 11 seed Rutgers 97-89 in a double-overtime game in the Big Ten Tournament's opening round.
Desmond Claude led USC with 28 points, including 22 in the second half and overtime, and added eight assists in the victory.
Rashaun Agee and Wesley Yates III contributed 23 and 24 points respectively, with Yates going 4-for-4 from beyond the arc and Agee recording a double-double with 11 rebounds.
Dylan Harper starred for Rutgers with 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Ace Bailey added 17 points before fouling out in regulation.
USC secured the win with a strong start to the second overtime, highlighted by Claude's scoring and back-to-back three-pointers from Agee and Yates.