USC snapped No. 7 Michigan State’s impressive 13-game winning streak with a 70-64 upset on Saturday afternoon. Desmond Claude led the Trojans with 19 points, while Wesley Yates III added 15, showcasing a strong offensive performance against a ranked opponent.
Chibuzo Agbo contributed 14 points for the Trojans (13-8, 5-5 Big Ten), who maintained the lead throughout the game. This victory marked USC’s first win over a top 10 team since they defeated then-fifth-ranked Arizona last March, highlighting their growth and resilience under pressure.
As the game tightened, Michigan State trailed 65-61 and aimed to narrow the gap, but a shot clock violation with 39.3 seconds left proved costly. This crucial moment shifted momentum back to USC, allowing them to secure the win.
Following the inbound, USC’s Saint Thomas delivered a precise cross-court pass to Yates, who executed a powerful dunk, extending the Trojans’ lead to six points and energizing the crowd.
For Michigan State (18-3, 9-1), Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 12 points, while Jaden Akins added 11. The Spartans’ 13-game winning streak was their longest since the 2018-19 season, showcasing their strong performance throughout the year.
Takeaways
For Michigan State, the game was a stark reminder of their vulnerabilities. Despite leading the nation in fast-break points (18.5 per game), they were limited to just nine against the Trojans, indicating a need for adaptability in their strategy.
On the other hand, USC thrived even in the face of a challenging home crowd, as Michigan State fans filled the Galen Center. First-year coach Eric Musselman noted the crowd’s impact during previous home games, yet his team rose to the occasion.
Key moment
A pivotal moment occurred when Michigan State narrowed the score to 55-52 with 8:37 left, courtesy of a three-pointer by Akins. However, USC quickly responded with a 10-4 run, regaining control and breathing room.
Key stat
USC led 35-32 at halftime, marking the first time Michigan State trailed at the break since their last loss against Memphis at the Maui Invitational on November 26. The Trojans have proven to be effective, boasting a 10-2 record when leading at halftime.
Up next
Both teams will face tough road challenges on Tuesday. Michigan State heads to UCLA, while USC travels to Northwestern, where they will aim to build on this significant victory.
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