The foundation built over the last three months suddenly was crumbling, their once-towering Pac-12 title hopes abruptly imploding in Salt Lake City, and all Ethan Anderson could do was throw up his hands. Another Utah jumper had gone uncontested. Another possession had fallen flat.
And in short order, another opportunity to prove itself worthy of a Pac-12 title would slip through USC’s fingers in a 71-61 defeat to Utah.
A season that once seemed destined for a magical ending in March is now suddenly falling apart over the final days of February. After winning 13 of 14 games, the Trojans have lost three of their last four, apparently unable to bear the target trained on their backs.