Isaiah Thomas needed air. For the first time all night, Washington's junior guard couldn't create any space. 

He couldn't free himself, but he was loving it.

That's because Thomas was being mobbed on the court by his teammates following his game-winning basket at the buzzer to give Washington a 77-75 victory in overtime of the Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament championship game.

After Arizona's Kevin Parrom tied the game on a 3-pointer with 19 seconds remaining, Thomas took control of the ball and held it until he was ready to make his final spectacular play of the day.

With Lamont Jones guarding him at the top of the key, Thomas crossed over to his left hand, stepped back and shot a fadeaway with a foot inside the 3-point line. The ball touched only the nylon net as it swished through, sending the Huskies bench running out onto the court to celebrate with Thomas.

"Isaiah averaged over 40 minutes a game [in the tournament] and saved his best for last in this game here today," Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said. "He did a great job of leading. And our team did a great job of joining in with him, kind of following his lead."

Tournament Bracket

Game 9 (Championship): Thomas Wills Washington to OT Victory

Washington 77, Arizona 75

Live Stats | Live Game Blog

Recap: The first half was a back-and-forth contest between two talented squads. No one scored more than two baskets in the first half for either squad. That is, besides Washington guard Isaiah Thomas.

Thomas single handedly carried his team's struggling offense. He scored 19 points in the first half on 6-of-9 shooting, going 3-of-4 from downtown and hitting all four of the team’s free throws. Thanks to his contributions, Washington only trailed 36-33 at the half.

The second half brought even more intense action as players sold their bodies, diving on the floor or even three rows into the stands in the case of Arizona's Lamont Jones.

Derrick Williams led the Wildcat charge with 15 second-half points. Finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds, he was named to the All-Tournament team. Thomas continued his offensive onslaught, adding nine more points.

With 32.7 seconds left, Thomas hit a 3-pointer to cut Arizona's lead to 63-62. The following possession, however, Williams drove and got fouled, scoring the layup and converting the free throw to push the Wildcats' advantage back to four points.

Thomas was not deterred. He set up Terrance Ross, who knocked down a corner 3-pointer. Ross was later named to the All-Tournament team after finishing with 16 points in the championship game.

Jones was fouled with 14 seconds left, and converted both free throws, giving Arizona a three-point lead.

Once again, Thomas worked his magic. He penetrated into the lane and kicked out to C.J. Wilcox in the left corner. The freshman, who was only 1-of-5 with two points at that point, drained a 3-pointer to tie the game. Jones desperation 3-pointer bounced off the rim, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime was just as enthralling. The teams swapped buckets, trading the lead three times. Neither team was able to pull ahead by more than a basket.

With 20.8 seconds left, it was the Wildcats' turn for some heroics as guard Kevin Parrom hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to tie the game, 75-75.

Enter Thomas. With a calm demeanor even in crunch time, Thomas took the ball at the top of the key, dribbled to his left, lifted up and drained the game-winning shot as time expired. For the second straight year, the Washington Huskies are the Pac-10 Tournament champions.

Player of the Game: Isaiah Thomas (Washington)

Thomas underachieved when considering he was averaging 11.5 assists per game in the tournament. Instead, he only got seven (setting a new tournament record with 30). But clearly his 28 points make up for him not getting his third double-double of the tournament.

All kidding aside, Thomas went 10-of-16 from the field, 4-of-7 from distance and 4-of-7 from the line. He also contributed five rebounds, seven assists and two steals to lead his team. Did we mention he also hit the game-winning shot in overtime after playing all 45 minutes? For the second straight year, he was named the Most Outstanding Player in the tournament. 

Quote(s): “I score in bunches, so I’m really not worried about scoring. I was just worried about making plays for my teammates. When it came down to it, when I needed to score, I did. At the end of the day it was just about making plays and seeing where I could get people open shots.” – Washington junior guard Isaiah Thomas

"One of these days when I’m not coaching anymore I’ll sit back in the rocking chair and reminisce about this game. Reminisce how Isaiah Thomas just totally flagged off his coach. No, I’ll remember a lot of things about this tournament and they’re all good.” – Washington head coach Lorenzo Romar

What it Means: With the win, Washington is the Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament champions for the second year in a row. The Huskies most likely improved their seeding in the NCAA tournament.

Three days ago, some experts considered Washington to be on the bubble, but the run the Huskies put together at Staples Center will have many teams nervous to see them in the same bracket. 

Arizona now has to prepare for a tougher road to the Final Four. The Wildcats had a chance to boost their seeding with a championship win. At 27-7, Arizona exceeded many preseason expectations, but now they have to meet new expectations in the NCAA Tournament.

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Throughout the men's Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament, we've kept you abreast of all the action. Be sure to check out the rest of Neon Tommy's Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament coverage, including the women's tournament.

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To reach Victor Marticorena, click here, or follow him on Twitter @GrandpapaSports.

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