No. 9 Michigan State vs. No. 24 USC: How to Watch and Prediction

After a crushing defeat at the hands of the undefeated Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln, the Spartans have no time to dwell. It’s back to the grindstone as Michigan State returns home to face the USC Trojans.

WHO: No. 9 Michigan State (12–2, 2–1) vs. No. 24 USC (12–2, 1–2)

WHEN: Monday, January 5 - 8:30 PM EST

WHERE: Jack Breslin Student Events Center — East Lansing, MI

WATCH: Fox Sports One

Michigan State traveled to Lincoln on Friday night to face an undefeated Nebraska team in what Husker fans dubbed the biggest game in program history. The atmosphere lived up to the hype. The building was deafening from start to finish, and every possession felt like a pressure test.

The game was tight throughout, but Nebraska ultimately came away with the win. The lasting image was a sea of red flooding the court, celebrating as if a banner were going up that very night.

Nebraska won the game, but it’s fair to argue that Michigan State lost it more than Nebraska took it. Yes, a loss is a loss—but context matters. The Spartans found themselves in one of the most hostile environments they’ll see all season and couldn’t settle down emotionally during just their second true road game. The result was costly: 19 turnovers, an uncharacteristically sloppy performance that told the story of the night.

While that number might scare some fans, there’s no reason to panic. Michigan State teams are no strangers to early-season losses that end up defining growth later in the year. This season began with three ranked wins, followed by a non-conference loss to Duke—a game that offered lessons, but not the wake-up call this team needed.

Friday’s loss was that lesson.

This team now understands what it means to be Michigan State. Every opponent treats MSU like their national championship. You hear it constantly on national media: Michigan could be undefeated heading into its matchup with the Spartans. Even with Michigan leveling opponents, MSU remains the measuring stick. That pressure isn’t accidental.

For the remaining Big Ten slate and beyond, Michigan State will get every team’s best shot. That means leadership, composure, and consistency must show up every night—regardless of venue or circumstance.

Michigan State doesn’t feature a traditional superstar, but they’re led collectively. Jaxon Kohler has been the closest thing to one, leading the team with 14.1 PPG and 10.4 RPG, anchoring the Spartans inside. Jeremy Fears Jr., the team’s captain, directs everything offensively, averaging 9.1 APG (second in the nation) along with 11.7 PPG. Coen Carr rounds out the top three scorers at 11.4 PPG and adds 5.1 RPG, providing energy on both ends.

USC enters East Lansing with the same overall record as Michigan State at 12–2, though their two losses have both come against Big Ten opponents. Most recently, the Trojans were overwhelmed by Michigan in a 96–66 loss in Ann Arbor.

Offensively, USC thrives on pace and scoring, ranking T-30th nationally at 87.7 PPG, compared to Michigan State’s 79.0 PPG (T-141). Neither team relies heavily on the three-point shot, with both averaging fewer than eight made threes per game.

Where this matchup tilts toward Michigan State is on the glass. USC averages 34.6 rebounds per game (T-112), while MSU ranks 8th nationally at 39.9 RPG. If the Spartans control the boards, USC will struggle to generate second-chance opportunities.

The Trojans are led by Chad Baker-Mazara, who averages 20.4 PPG, along with 3.1 APG and 5.1 RPG. Rodney Rice matches him nearly point-for-point at 20.3 PPG and leads the team with 6.0 APG, giving USC a dangerous backcourt duo capable of putting pressure on MSU’s defense.

Both teams enter Monday night desperate to avoid back-to-back losses. USC continues its Michigan road trip after playing in Ann Arbor on Friday, now traveling just 60 miles to East Lansing. A sweep in the state would be disastrous for the Trojans, and they’ll play with urgency to avoid it.

USC will look to push the pace and outscore Michigan State, while the Spartans will focus on controlling the glass, limiting turnovers, and imposing their physicality at the Breslin Center.

With a bounce-back performance at home and cleaner execution, Michigan State steadies itself.

Michigan State 70

USC 65