No. 12 Michigan State Dominates USC, Handing Trojans First Consecutive Losses of Season
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The No. 12 Michigan State Spartans delivered a resounding blowout to the USC Trojans on Monday night, handing the Trojans their first back-to-back losses of the season with an 80-51 victory. The Spartans improved to 13-2 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense that overwhelmed Southern California from the opening tip.
Coen Carr led the Spartans with 18 points, while Jaxon Kohler was nearly flawless, scoring 16 points on perfect shooting, including six-for-six from the field and three three-pointers. Kohler also contributed eight rebounds, narrowly missing a sixth consecutive double-double. According to Sportradar data, Kohler became the first Michigan State player since at least the 1996-97 season to record at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in five straight games.
Jeremy Fears Jr. added 15 points and seven assists, orchestrating the Spartans’ offense as Michigan State surged ahead with a 27-6 run early in the contest. The Spartans never looked back, maintaining a lead of at least 20 points for much of the second half. At halftime, Michigan State held a commanding 33-17 advantage, with Kohler contributing eight points and seven other teammates scoring at least two points.
USC’s Ezra Ausar led the Trojans with 16 points, and Jerry Easter chipped in 12, but their efforts fell short against Michigan State’s suffocating defense. The Trojans were held to just 33 percent shooting overall, struggling to find rhythm against the Spartans’ pressure. Notably, Chad Baker-Mazara, who entered the game averaging a team-high 20.4 points per game, was limited to just four points.
The Spartans excelled in transition, outpacing USC 25-5 in fast-break points and dominating the bench scoring 21-9. This victory marked Michigan State’s fifth win in six games, bouncing back decisively from a narrow 58-56 loss to No. 10 Nebraska. Meanwhile, the Trojans, now 12-3 overall and 1-3 in Pac-12 play, suffered their second consecutive blowout loss in Michigan after a 30-point defeat to No. 2 Michigan.
USC will remain in the Midwest for a few more days, preparing to face Minnesota on Friday. Michigan State will host Northwestern on Thursday as they continue their Big Ten schedule.
For more detailed NCAA basketball statistics and schedules, visit the NCAA official site. Additional insights into college basketball rankings and team performances can be found at the ESPN College Basketball section. For updates on the Big Ten conference, the Big Ten Conference official website provides comprehensive coverage.
Reporting by The Associated Press.
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