The USC Trojans delivered a stunning upset against No. 7 Michigan State Spartans, winning 70-64 and halting their 13-game win streak in a thrilling matchup.
Contents
Short Summary:
- USC’s Desmond Claude and Wesley Yates III led the Trojans with 19 and 15 points, respectively.
- Michigan State struggled offensively, especially in fast-break points.
- This victory marked USC’s first win over a top 10 team since last March, reinforcing their NCAA Tournament ambitions.
In a significant college basketball match on Saturday, January 27, the USC Trojans triumphed over the Michigan State Spartans 70-64, marking the end of the Spartans’ 13-game winning streak. The Spartans, ranked No. 7 nationally and riding high after an unbeaten December and January, were set to face a challenging February schedule. However, the Trojans successfully disrupted those plans.
Key Highlights
Desmond Claude shined for USC, scoring 19 points, while teammate Wesley Yates III added 15 points to the Trojans’ total. The duo’s impressive performances were essential, especially against a Michigan State squad that had been acclaimed for its depth and offensive prowess. The win also rekindled hopes for a potential NCAA Tournament position for USC, who entered the game with a 12-8 record.
“We played solid defense and executed our plays effectively,” Coach Eric Musselman of USC stated. “The guys really worked hard, and it was great to see our plans come together against a tough opponent.”
From the tip-off, USC was in control. They took an early lead and managed to maintain it throughout the game, reaching halftime with a slight 35-32 advantage. This scenario marked the first time Michigan State had trailed at halftime since their November loss to Memphis. The Trojans capitalized on this momentum and were poised to take on the challenge that the Spartans presented.
Michigan State’s Struggles
The Spartans came into this game with high expectations after rolling through their opponents. They had been leading the nation in fast-break points, averaging nearly 18.5 per game; however, against USC, they managed only nine. Senior guard Jaden Akins, who led the Spartans with 11 points in this contest, acknowledged the team’s struggles post-game.
“We just didn’t execute our plays as we normally do, and it cost us,” Akins reflected. “We’ve built up a good rhythm but today wasn’t our day.”
Michigan State fought back to narrow the gap to just four points with 8:37 left on a 3-pointer by Akins, but the Trojans quickly responded with a 10-4 run that extended their lead. A critical moment in the game came when Michigan State was caught by a shot clock violation with under a minute remaining, hindering their chances to cut the deficit further.
Defensive Strategy
USC’s defensive strategy was pivotal to their victory. The Trojans managed to contain Michigan State’s fast offense and worked effectively on their own end to create scoring opportunities. USC showcased a balanced attack with four players reaching double digits, enabling them to outpace their opponent steadily.
- Desmond Claude: 19 points
- Wesley Yates III: 15 points
- Chibuzo Agbo: 14 points
Michigan State’s usual fast-paced play was considerably slowed, a factor the team will need to address moving forward into more competitive matchups within the Big Ten. Coach Tom Izzo commented on the challenge ahead:
“We got our tail kicked in every facet today,” Izzo said. “We have to collect ourselves and learn from this experience. The road ahead won’t be easy.”
Impact of the Game
This loss for Michigan State emphasized the unpredictability of NCAA basketball, where even top teams can falter against less heralded opponents. For USC, this victory not only boosted their confidence but also significantly improved their chances of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The crowd at the Galen Center was electrified as the Trojans controlled the game, despite having a significant number of Michigan State supporters present. It marked a pivotal moment for first-year coach Eric Musselman, who managed to rally his players against a formidable opponent.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will head out on the road for their next matchups, with Michigan State facing UCLA and USC traveling to Northwestern. The Spartans will be looking to bounce back quickly and regain their footing, while USC hopes to carry this momentum forward to solidify their NCAA hopes.
This intense contest not only showcased the capabilities of both teams but also highlighted the drama inherent in college basketball, a sport that constantly surprises its fans. The blend of young talent, coaching strategies, and fluctuations in performance under pressure paints a vivid picture of the excitement surrounding the NCAA.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how both teams adapt and respond to what lies ahead, especially with the implications of tournament selections looming larger.