Michigan Dominates USC in Convincing Victory
Friday, January 2, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Crisler Center
Michigan Wolverines 96, USC Trojans 66, 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 Wolverines?
Michigan Wolverines beat USC Trojans 96-66 at Crisler Center on January 2, 2026.
Who was favored in USC Trojans vs Michigan Wolverines?
Michigan Wolverines were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -3600 (about 97% implied). The favorite won.
The Michigan Wolverines showcased their dominance with a decisive 96-66 victory over the USC Trojans at Crisler Center. This win extends Michigan's impressive home record to 14-0, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in college basketball this season. The Wolverines have not only maintained an unbeaten home record but have also displayed remarkable scoring prowess, averaging 95.5 points per game over their last ten outings, while allowing just 63.6 points.
In their recent form, Michigan has been on a remarkable run, winning their last ten games with an average of 101 points scored in their last five contests. Their latest victory came against the McNeese Cowboys, where they triumphed with a score of 112-71. USC, on the other hand, has also been performing well, entering the game with a record of 12-2 and a four-game winning streak. The Trojans averaged 86.7 points per game in their last ten games, but their defense has been less consistent, allowing an average of 76.5 points.
Historically, Michigan has fared well against USC, holding a 1-0 record in their previous meetings, with their last encounter resulting in an 85-74 victory for the Wolverines on January 5, 2025. This recent history may have contributed to the Wolverines' confidence heading into this matchup.
The betting market reflected Michigan's strong performance, with DraftKings listing them as 22.5-point favorites. The total for the game was set at 173.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring affair. Michigan's moneyline was heavily favored at -3600, while USC's moneyline was set at +1500, underscoring the Wolverines' dominance in this matchup.
In terms of player contributions, the Wolverines had several key scoring plays that helped secure their victory. Notable moments included Terrance Williams II making free throws and L.J. Cason finishing strong with a driving layup. The second half saw Michigan extend their lead significantly, with a series of successful scoring plays that left USC struggling to keep pace.
The game conditions were ideal for basketball, with both teams taking advantage of the home court atmosphere for Michigan. The Wolverines' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities while maintaining defensive pressure was evident throughout the game.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of offensive efficiency from Michigan, which will be a point of interest for fans and analysts alike as they continue their season. The Wolverines' ability to score at will and their defensive capabilities will be crucial as they look to build on this victory and maintain their momentum in the upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MICH -22.5 | 173.5 o -112 / u -108 | USC Trojans +1500 · Michigan Wolverines -3600 |
Leaders
- PointsMorez Johnson Jr.29Michigan Wolverines
- AssistsElliot Cadeau7Michigan Wolverines
- ReboundsMorez Johnson Jr.6Michigan Wolverines
- PointsJaden Brownell16USC Trojans
- AssistsChad Baker-Mazara2USC Trojans
- ReboundsJaden Brownell6USC Trojans
Recent form
Michigan Wolverines
Last 10: 10-0Streak W1095.5 scored · 63.6 allowed per game8-0 at home
- W112-71vs McNeese CowboysDec 30
- W102-50vs La Salle ExplorersDec 21
- W101-83at Maryland TerrapinsDec 14
- W89-61vs Villanova WildcatsDec 9
- W101-60vs Rutgers Scarlet KnightsDec 6
- W101-61vs Gonzaga BulldogsNov 27
- W102-72vs Auburn TigersNov 26
- W94-54vs San Diego State AztecsNov 25
- W86-61vs Middle Tennessee Blue RaidersNov 19
- W67-63at TCU Horned FrogsNov 15
USC Trojans
Last 10: 9-1Streak W486.7 scored · 76.5 allowed per game4-0 away
- 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
- W107-106vs Troy TrojansNov 21
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 Wolverines |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-58 | 31-65 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 5-23 | 6-30 |
| Three-point % | 22 | 20 |
| Free throws | 21-33 | 28-39 |
| Free throw % | 64 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 29 |
| Assists | 4 | 17 |
| Steals | 5 | 12 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 21 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 24 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 26 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 46 |
| Fouls | 27 | 22 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 30 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half39-57Terrance Williams II makes 8-foot jumper
- 2nd Half39-60L.J. Cason makes 24-foot three point jumper (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half39-63Morez Johnson Jr. makes 28-foot three point jumper (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half42-63Jaden Brownell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chad Baker-Mazara assists)
- 2nd Half42-65Will Tschetter makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half42-66Aday Mara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-66Chad Baker-Mazara makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-68Aday Mara makes 0-foot alley oop dunk (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half45-68Chad Baker-Mazara makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-69Trey McKenney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half45-70Trey McKenney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-72Trey McKenney makes driving layup (Roddy Gayle Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half47-72Jaden Brownell makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half47-73Roddy Gayle Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-75Roddy Gayle Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half49-75Kam Woods makes layup
- 2nd Half49-78Roddy Gayle Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Will Tschetter assists)
- 2nd Half50-78Jaden Brownell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-78Jaden Brownell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-78Ezra Ausar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-78Ezra Ausar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-81Will Tschetter makes 25-foot three point jumper (L.J. Cason assists)
- 2nd Half56-81Jordan Marsh makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half56-83Trey McKenney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-83Jaden Brownell makes 10-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half58-84Elliot Cadeau makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-86Morez Johnson Jr. makes driving layup (Elliot Cadeau assists)
- 2nd Half60-86Jaden Brownell makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half60-87Morez Johnson Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-88L.J. Cason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-88Gabe Dynes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-88Gabe Dynes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-88Terrance Williams II makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-90Winters Grady makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half64-90Gabe Dynes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-92Trey McKenney makes driving layup
- 2nd Half66-92Gabe Dynes makes layup (Kam Woods assists)
- 2nd Half66-93Trey McKenney makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-94Trey McKenney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-96L.J. Cason makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Michigan Wolverines, below favours USC Trojans.
Venue
- Crisler CenterAnn Arbor, MI
- Attendance12707
- OfficialsMike Littlewood, Keith Kimble, Kelly Pfeifer
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 Dominate Michigan Wolverines 31-13Oct 11, 2025