Big Ten play continues Monday night as USC stays on the road to face Michigan State in East Lansing. Both teams enter the matchup with identical 12-2 records and are looking to bounce back after road losses over the weekend.
USC dropped a low-scoring game at Michigan, managing just 66 points in Ann Arbor. Michigan State, meanwhile, suffered a tough one-point loss at Nebraska after allowing the Cornhuskers to score the final basket. With both teams coming off setbacks, this matchup sets up as an important early conference test.
The Trojans already have two league losses on the board, including an earlier defeat against Washington. After this game, USC will remain on the road for a matchup at Minnesota before returning home for a three-game homestand.
USC has been one of the more efficient offensive teams in the country, averaging 87.7 points per game and ranking inside the top 30 nationally. The Trojans shoot 48.4 percent from the field and move the ball well, averaging more than 16 assists per game.
That offense stalled against Michigan, however, and USC will need to rediscover its rhythm against a physical Michigan State team on the road.
Michigan State’s loss at Nebraska snapped an undefeated run and showed just how thin the margin can be in Big Ten play. Earlier this season, the Spartans also suffered a six-point loss to Duke.
Rebounding remains a major strength for Michigan State. The Spartans are averaging 39.9 rebounds per game, one of the best marks in the nation. They are also elite passers, ranking eighth nationally in assists at just under 20 per game.
USC vs. Michigan State: When and Where
Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Jack Breslin Student Events Center
USC vs. Michigan State Where to Watch or Stream
TV: Fox Sports 1
Streaming: FuboTV
USC vs. Michigan State Betting Odds
Spread: Michigan State -11.5 | USC +11.5
Moneyline: Michigan State -800 | USC +500
Total: 151.5
USC vs. Michigan State Series History
All-Time Series: Michigan State leads 2-1
Last Meeting: USC won 70-64 on February 1, 2025
USC vs. Michigan State Projected Starting Lineups
USC Trojans
- Chad Baker-Mazara (#3) – 20.4 ppg
- Ezra Ausar (#2) – 16.9 ppg
- Jacob Cofie (#6) – 9.9 ppg
- Gabe Dynes (#45) – 3.5 ppg
- Ryan Cornish (#9) – 3.3 ppg
Key Note: Rodney Rice (#1) was averaging 20.3 points per game through six games but is out with an injury.
Michigan State Spartans
- Jaxon Kohler (#00) – 14.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg
- Jeremy Fears Jr. (#1) – 11.7 ppg
- Coen Carr (#55) – 11.4 ppg
- Carson Cooper (#15) – 10.1 ppg
- Kur Teng (#2) – 7.4 ppg
Game Outlook
The road trip has not been kind to USC so far, and the challenge only gets tougher in East Lansing. Michigan State, coming off a loss, should bring an edge and physicality that plays well at home.
The spread is sizable, but USC’s offense struggled badly in Ann Arbor, and this matchup is similar. Expect Michigan State’s rebounding, ball movement, and toughness to take over as the game wears on, leading to a comfortable double-digit win for the Spartans.