The No. 2 ranked Michigan Wolverines showcased their dominance once again on Friday, defeating the 24th-ranked USC Trojans with a commanding 96-66 victory. Entering the game as 21.5-point favorites, Michigan demonstrated their formidable capabilities even without their best offensive performance, managing this win with their bench players stepping in during the final minutes.
Under the guidance of Coach Dusty May, Michigan now boasts the unique distinction of being the first team since the 1996-97 season to achieve three wins over ranked opponents by at least 30 points within a single season. This victory adds to an impressive streak that has seen the Wolverines remain undefeated at 13-0 overall and 3-0 in Big Ten play, while USC falls to 12-2 with a 1-2 record in conference matchups.
Despite their loss, the Trojans’ ability to draw free throws—leading the nation with an average of 31.2 per game—was hampered by their poor 63.6 percent shooting from the charity stripe. Although they attempted 33 free throws, this inefficiency hindered their chances against a Michigan team that capitalized on 21 USC turnovers, converting them into 24 points.
Michigan’s fast-paced gameplay was evident as they outscored USC 26 to 2 in fast-break points, drawing on their fifth-highest adjusted tempo in college basketball this season, according to KenPom. Michigan’s offensive strategy, although not fully realized as they struggled from beyond the arc, with a mere 6 of 30 shooting from three-point range, was bolstered by the contributions of multiple players.
Sophomore forward Morez Johnson Jr. led the Wolverines with a career-high 29 points, utilizing an impressive 10 of 12 shooting from the field. Senior guard Roddy Gayle Jr. also shined, scoring 12 points before fouling out, with contributions from a total of ten players who all made their mark on the game.
The Wolverines began with an electrifying 11-0 run and maintained significant control, transforming an 18-point halftime lead into a decisive 30-point margin by the game’s conclusion. The level of competition Michigan has faced has been noteworthy, with USC being their third ranked opponent this season among ten victories by 20 or more points.
In fact, Michigan has outscored their opponents by an astonishing average of 34.5 points in their last ten games, with victories that include a 52-point demolition of La Salle and a 40-point win over Gonzaga, who has since embarked on an eight-game winning streak.
With their impressive record and overall performance, the Wolverines currently rank highly in both offensive and defensive efficiency. As Michigan continues to dominate, discussions surrounding the possibility of an undefeated season are becoming increasingly relevant, energizing fans and analysts alike about the potential journey ahead for this talented team.