Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State came out of the gate with purpose, delivering a dominant 80–51 win over USC at the Breslin Center on Monday night. From tipoff, the Spartans controlled the pace, shooting an efficient 50% from the field compared to USC’s 33%, showcasing their strength in half‑court execution and ball movement.
Leading the Spartans was senior forward Coen Carr, who poured in 18 points on 6‑of‑14 shooting and secured six rebounds. His aggressive drives and cuts added much‑needed energy, setting the tone for the team’s offensive flow. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler also made his presence felt, pulling down eight rebounds and making three three‑pointers. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. orchestrated the offense with poise, racking up seven assists and only three turnovers in 28 minutes of action.
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(CONTINUED) On the flip side, USC struggled to keep pace. Their leading scorer, senior forward Ezra Ausar, managed 16 points and seven rebounds, a solid individual performance in an otherwise off night for the Trojans. But USC’s offense hit a wall, shooting just 18% from three‑point range and turning the ball over 17 times, which MSU converted into easy transition points. The Trojans’ inability to convert on the perimeter and the frequent giveaways gave Michigan State the upper hand throughout.
This win wasn’t just about the scoreboard, it was about identity. Michigan State looked like a team rediscovering its grit, leaning on defense and hustle to dictate every possession. The Spartans played with urgency, diving for loose balls and crashing the boards like a group that knows January is where seasons are defined. For Izzo, it’s the kind of performance that builds trust and momentum, and for the players, it’s proof that when they lean into toughness, they can overwhelm anyone.
The Spartans’ next test comes Thursday, when they’ll host Northwestern at the Breslin Center.
