In an exciting early January matchup, No. 2 Michigan will host No. 24 USC on Friday night at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor, marking a significant clash in men’s college basketball as both teams resume their Big Ten campaigns. This highly anticipated game is set for 7:01 p.m. ET and can be viewed live on Peacock.
Michigan enters the contest with an impressive 12-0 record, having capped off 2025 with a dominant 112-71 victory over McNeese. The Wolverines have been dominating their opponents with an average margin of victory of 30 points per game, the highest in college basketball. Head coach Dusty May has emphasized that his team’s strong performance is a result of their unselfishness and sacrifices made throughout the season. Forward Morez Johnson Jr. highlighted the importance of staying motivated and focused on their lofty season goals, including aiming for the Big Ten regular-season title.
Meanwhile, USC boasts a solid 12-1 record and has experienced a mixed start in Big Ten play, with a victory over Oregon followed by a loss to Washington. However, the Trojans have rebounded with four consecutive wins, including a convincing triumph over UC Santa Cruz. The team is led by Chad Baker-Mazara, a key player who previously faced Michigan during last season’s Sweet 16 matchup.
A notable storyline for the game is the return of Terrance Williams II, a former Michigan player who spent four seasons with the Wolverines. After transferring to USC before the last season, Williams suffered a hand injury that kept him out of a home matchup against Michigan. Now fully recovered, he will look forward to facing his former teammates, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup.
Both teams have strengths that could decide the outcome. Michigan’s defensive prowess, especially their ability to avoid fouling while protecting the paint, has set them apart as one of the best defensive units in college basketball. In contrast, USC excels at getting to the free-throw line, leading the country in both attempts and makes.
With both teams eager to make a statement, fans can expect a thrilling contest that could have implications for the rest of the season. Coach May expressed confidence in his team’s maturity and readiness to tackle the challenges that come with their early success. As the Wolverines aim to maintain their undefeated streak, the excitement surrounding this matchup only adds to the richness of the college basketball season.