LAst Night's Action: Just Ducky

Oregon 81, USC 57 - LAist predicted that USC and UCLA would play for the Pac 10 title. When the top seeded Bruins were knocked off by #8 Cal, it was up to the Trojans to represent LA. They couldn't.

The 24 point margin doesn't begin to explain the Duck's domination. After beating Washington State in the semifinals on Friday night, USC left Staples Center in the wee hours of the morning on Saturday. They staggered back the same afternoon to play Oregon and the fatigue showed. USC's shots consistently fell short and their renowned defense gave up 53% from the field. Oregon, flying high after dominating wins over Arizona and Cal, ran through the Trojans like a buzz saw.

Oregon obviously didn't want to fall to USC for a third time this year. They came out on fire to build a staggering lead early in the second half. At one point they were up by 38, and several times had more than double the Trojan's points. Both teams came in with a reputation for three point shooting, but it seemed like Oregon couldn't miss. Their center was hitting from NBA range and the star of the game was hitting from almost half court. Bryce Taylor was 7/7 from beyond the arc, 4/4 inside the arc, and 3/3 at the line for a career high 32 points. His total was more than the Trojan's top three scorers combined.

The Ducks join the Bruins as Pac 10 champions (tournament and regular season, respectively). Both teams will go on to the NCAA tournament. UCLA could be a #1 or #2 seed, while Oregon could be as high as a #3 seed. USC is a lock to make the tournament, along with Pac 10 rivals Arizona and Washington State. Stanford is on the bubble, and after being dispatched by USC in the first round of the Pac 10 Tournament things are not looking good. All the teams will be watching CBS this afternoon for the NCAA's Selection Sunday special.

Elsewhere - More bad news for USC. Some of their players are about to learn the hard way that the limelight can be scalding. Especially when you share inside jokes ... Oh, and their top basketball recruit is in trouble for weed. Rough week in Troy ... Thanks to Deadspin for finding this rediculously entertaining video clip of soccer goal celebrations ... If celebration isn't your thing, what about a brutal hockey fight?

AP photo by Matt Sayles.