Delon Wright scores 21 to lead Utah to its third straight win in a 79-71 victory over USC

Utah guard Delon Wright (55) drives on Southern California guard Brendyn Taylor (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas) (The Associated Press)

Utah center Dallin Bachynski (31) shoots over Southern California forward Strahinja Gavrilovic (14) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas) (The Associated Press)

LOS ANGELES – Delon Wright scored 21 and hot-shooting Utah kept Southern California in the Pac-12 cellar by holding off a late run Thursday night for a 79-71 victory in Galen Center.

The win, Utah's third straight, moves the Runnin' Utes (17-7, 6-6) into a tie for seventh in the conference with Washington. For the Trojans (10-14, 1-10), it was their fifth straight loss and 10th in their last 11 games — all in the Pac-12.

Utah broke the game open to start the second half for a 56-39 lead on 8-of-11 shooting, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range. The Utes never trailed in the second, although USC cut its deficit to 71-67 with 3:09 left.

Wright, playing in his hometown, also led Utah with nine rebounds while Jordan Loveridge added 19 points.

Byron Wesley led the way for USC with 20 points.