Michigan State Hosts USC to Begin Big Ten Homestand Monday Night

No. 9 Michigan State Spartans will host No. 24 USC Trojans in their Big Ten homestand on January 5, 2024. The game is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. EST at the Breslin Center, marking the first of three consecutive Big Ten home games for Michigan State. The Spartans enter the matchup with a 12-2 overall record, after a tough 58-56 loss to No. 13 Nebraska.

Senior forward Jaxon Kohler is a standout player for the Spartans, boasting an impressive 19 points and 11 rebounds in the last game, marking his fifth consecutive double-double and ninth of the season. The game will air live on FS1, with Kevin Kugler and LaPhonso Ellis providing commentary. Fans can also listen to the Spartan Media Network or SiriusXM radio for further coverage.

Michigan State Spartans Overview

• Overall Record: 12-2
• Big Ten Record: 2-1
• AP Poll Rank: 9
• KenPom Ranking: 15
• Quadrant 1 Wins: 4 (against Duke, Arizona, UConn, Iowa State)

Player Highlights

• Jaxon Kohler: Leads the team with 14.1 points per game and 10.3 rebounds per game.
• Jeremy Fears Jr.: Averaging 11.7 points and 9.1 assists per game, ranks second nationally in assists.
• Coen Carr: Contributes 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
• Carson Cooper: Recorded a career-high 16 points and 16 rebounds against Duke.

Michigan State has maintained strong performance metrics, ranking 10th in the nation for assists (19.6 per game) and 5th in rebound margin (+13.8). Defensively, they are positioned 26th in scoring defense (65.4 ppg) and 5th in adjusted defensive efficiency.

Breslin Center Home Advantage

The Spartans excel at home with a 7-1 record this season, and they are 22-2 at the Breslin Center over the past year. Historically, Michigan State holds a record of 494-77 at this venue since its opening in 1989.

Upcoming Challenges

After facing USC, the Spartans will continue their Big Ten homestand before heading on the road. The team is noted for playing one of the most challenging schedules in college basketball, providing valuable experience as they prepare for postseason play.

USC Trojans Overview

USC heads into the matchup with a 12-2 record, including a 1-2 standing in the Big Ten after losing to Michigan. The Trojans have been prolific in scoring, ranking first nationally in free throw attempts and makes, and 32nd in overall scoring offense with 87.7 points per game.

Head-to-Head History

This game represents the ninth meeting between Michigan State and USC, with the series split at four wins each. The last contest ended in a 70-64 victory for USC. Head Coach Tom Izzo holds a 2-1 record against the Trojans, and this will be the teams’ second clash since USC joined the Big Ten.

Conclusion

As both teams prepare for an intense matchup, fans can expect an exciting game at the Breslin Center on January 5. With momentum on the line, the Spartans seek to recover from their recent loss, while USC aims to rebound from their prior defeat in an effort to solidify their standings in the Big Ten.