Washington State had the Trojans thinking for the first period, but USC
eventually cruised to a victory over the Cougars in the first game of the
PAC-8 tournament.

The Cougars had upset on their minds, as Washington State would hold
the lead against the top-ranked Trojans 2-1 with half of the first period
ticked off the clock. Knotted at a goal a piece with 12 minutes remaining,
WSU’s Nick Absalonson would beat USC goalie Richard Dyer on a
breakaway and send Cougar fans in a frenzy.

However, the penalty fest began to wear on the Cougars in the second
and third period. WSU would keep the game close in the second, as Matt
Berube would keep the Cougs within one goal with 11 minutes remaining
to put the score at 4-3. This is as close as the Cougars would get.

Southern Cal would begin the romp that they have been used to all year,
as Remy Bickoff and the rest of the Trojan attackers would start to tee off
on WSU goalie Phil Durgin. Durgin had an impressive night, but couldn’t
keep up with all the shots that were barreling his way.

With the victory, the Trojans cruised to the PAC-8 title game to be played
today at 7:00 p.m. against Cal-Berkley, who defeated the Washington
Huskies 4-1.

Washington State plays against Washington today in the third place
game starting at 4:45.