Michigan State Dominates USC in Convincing Win
Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Breslin Center
Michigan State Spartans 80, USC Trojans 51, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won USC Trojans vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans beat USC Trojans 80-51 at Breslin Center on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in USC Trojans vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -850 (about 89% implied). The favorite won.
In a commanding performance, the Michigan State Spartans defeated the USC Trojans with a final score of 80-51 at the Breslin Center. This victory showcased Michigan State's strong home advantage and solidified their impressive season record of 13-2. The Spartans have been a formidable force at home, boasting a 5-1 record, while USC, with a record of 12-3, has struggled in their recent outing, marking their first loss in the last five games.
Michigan State's recent form has been characterized by high-scoring games, averaging 79.5 points over their last ten matches, while allowing 65.4 points. However, they faced a setback in their previous game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, losing 56-58. Prior to that, they had a strong showing against Cornell, winning 114-97, and against Oakland, winning 79-70. Their last five games reflect a record of 4-1, with an average of 83.4 points scored and 73.2 points allowed.
On the other hand, USC entered the game with an 8-2 record over their last ten matches, but they too were coming off a loss, having been defeated by the Michigan Wolverines 66-96. The Trojans had shown offensive prowess, averaging 82.6 points scored and allowing 75.5 points during that stretch. Their last five games also indicated a strong performance, with an average of 85.4 points scored and 74.2 points allowed.
The matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between the two teams, with Michigan State looking to avenge their previous loss to USC, which occurred on February 1, 2025, where they fell short with a score of 64-70.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but both teams have had their share of challenges throughout the season. The absence of key players can often impact team dynamics and performance, but the specifics were not mentioned.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Michigan State was favored with a spread of -11.5 and a money line of -850. The total points set for the game was 151.5, with over odds at -105.0 and under odds at -115.0, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring game.
Conditions at the Breslin Center were typical for a winter basketball game, with the home crowd providing a significant boost to the Spartans. The atmosphere was electric, contributing to Michigan State's dominant performance.
The game saw key contributions from various players, with notable scoring plays in the second half, including a 24-foot three-point jumper by Coen Carr, which helped extend Michigan State's lead. The Spartans maintained control throughout the game, showcasing their depth and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Overall, Michigan State's victory over USC not only highlights their strength at home but also sets the stage for a promising remainder of the season as they continue to build momentum.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSU -11.5 | 151.5 o -105 / u -115 | USC Trojans +575 · Michigan State Spartans -850 |
Leaders
- PointsCoen Carr18Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.7Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsJaxon Kohler8Michigan State Spartans
- PointsEzra Ausar16USC Trojans
- AssistsKam Woods3USC Trojans
- ReboundsEzra Ausar7USC Trojans
Recent form
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 8-2Streak L179.5 scored · 65.4 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L56-58at Nebraska CornhuskersJan 3
- W114-97vs Cornell Big RedDec 30
- W79-70vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 20
- W92-69vs Toledo RocketsDec 16
- W76-72at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 13
- L60-66vs Duke Blue DevilsDec 6
- W71-52vs Iowa HawkeyesDec 3
- W74-58at North Carolina Tar HeelsNov 27
- W89-56at East Carolina PiratesNov 25
- W84-56vs Detroit Mercy TitansNov 21
USC Trojans
Last 10: 8-2Streak L182.6 scored · 75.5 allowed per game4-1 away
- L66-96at Michigan WolverinesJan 3
- W102-63vs UC Santa Cruz Banana SlugsDec 21
- W97-70vs UTSA RoadrunnersDec 18
- W68-61vs Washington State CougarsDec 15
- W94-81at San Diego TorerosDec 10
- L76-84vs Washington HuskiesDec 6
- W82-77at Oregon DucksDec 3
- W88-75at Arizona State Sun DevilsNov 26
- W83-81vs Seton Hall PiratesNov 25
- W70-67at Boise State BroncosNov 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | USC Trojans | Michigan State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 18-55 | 30-60 |
| Field goal % | 33 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 3-17 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 18 | 32 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 13-18 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 39 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 29 |
| Assists | 10 | 15 |
| Steals | 6 | 9 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 25 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 30 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 29 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 13 | 86 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half22-39Ryan Cornish makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half23-39Ryan Cornish makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half23-41Coen Carr makes 3-foot dunk (Jaxon Kohler assists)
- 2nd Half23-42Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half23-44Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half26-44Jacob Cofie makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half26-46Kur Teng makes layup (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half28-46Jerry Easter II makes layup
- 2nd Half28-48Jaxon Kohler makes 18-foot jumper (Jordan Scott assists)
- 2nd Half28-50Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 12-foot jumper
- 2nd Half28-52Jeremy Fears Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half30-52Jerry Easter II makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half30-54Kur Teng makes 17-foot jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half32-54Ezra Ausar makes 3-foot dunk (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half33-54Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half33-56Coen Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half33-58Denham Wojcik makes layup
- 2nd Half35-58Terrance Williams II makes layup
- 2nd Half35-59Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-59Ezra Ausar makes layup
- 2nd Half37-62Divine Ugochukwu makes 24-foot three point jumper (Denham Wojcik assists)
- 2nd Half40-62Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half39-62Ezra Ausar makes layup
- 2nd Half40-63Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-64Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-64Gabe Dynes makes layup
- 2nd Half43-64Jerry Easter II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-67Jaxon Kohler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half45-67Jacob Cofie makes 17-foot jumper
- 2nd Half46-67Jerry Easter II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-69Coen Carr makes layup
- 2nd Half48-69Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-69Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-72Coen Carr makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half48-73Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-73Jaden Brownell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jacob Cofie assists)
- 2nd Half51-75Jaxon Kohler makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half51-76Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half51-77Cam Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-80Jordan Scott makes 25-foot three point jumper (Denham Wojcik assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Michigan State Spartans, below favours USC Trojans.
Venue
- Breslin CenterEast Lansing, MI
- Attendance14797
- OfficialsBert Smith, James Breeding, Jeffrey Anderson
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- USC Trojans Defeat Michigan State Spartans 45-31Sep 20, 2025