On January 4, 2026, Michigan State University (MSU) is set to face off against the University of Southern California (USC) in a highly anticipated basketball game at the Breslin Center, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. This matchup marks the second time these teams will compete as Big Ten opponents, with the series currently tied 4-4. Last season, USC emerged victorious in their sole meeting in Los Angeles.
Heading into this matchup, both teams have shown promise but are facing challenges. MSU boasts a record of 12-2 overall and is currently ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches polls, alongside their No. 17 spot in the NCAA NET rankings. On the other hand, USC has also recorded a 12-2 overall record but finds itself ranked No. 24 in the AP poll and unranked in the Coaches poll.
The Spartans, led by veteran coach Tom Izzo, are coming off a narrow 58-56 loss against Nebraska, which was their first Big Ten defeat of the season. MSU’s standout player, Jaxon Kohler, is currently second in the conference for rebounding, averaging 10.4 per game, and is excelling in shooting from beyond the arc with a 51% rate. Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. continues to impress, ranking second nationally in assists with 9.1 per game.
However, MSU may be without guard Divine Ugochukwu due to illness, which could affect their depth as they prepare for USC. Meanwhile, the Trojans have faced significant setbacks, losing leading guard Rodney Rice to a season-ending shoulder injury. Rice had been averaging over 20 points and six assists before his injury, creating a gap in USC’s offensive strategy. The Trojans, coached by Eric Musselman, have managed to win six of their eight games since Rice’s departure but suffered a heavy defeat against Michigan, losing 96-66.
USC’s current leading scorer, Chad Baker-Mazara, is averaging 20.4 points per game and brings experience from a previous encounter with MSU while at Auburn in the Elite Eight. The Trojans also feature athletic talents like Ezra Ausar, who has been instrumental in maintaining USC’s strong performance despite the team’s injuries.
As Michigan State prepares for the matchup, they will aim to leverage their home-court advantage at the Breslin Center, where they typically see strong support from their fans. The matchup presents an opportunity for MSU to rebound from their recent loss and continue to assert their position in the Big Ten standings.
Predictions for the game lean in favor of MSU, with a projected final score of 77-70, as they look to make a statement after last year’s defeat by USC. With playoff implications on the line and both teams eager to solidify their standings, this game promises to be a thrilling contest for basketball fans.