Tag: michigan state vs usc

Michigan State basketball gets breakout performance from unlikely candidate

MSU got an outstanding performance from an unlikely candidate in their win over USC:

Michigan State knocked off USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday afternoon, 72-62.

The Spartans flexed their defensive muscle in the second half after struggling in the first half with pick-and-roll defense.

Part of the pick-and-roll defensive solution came from an unlikely source that had both a breakout performance and a freshman standout moment.

Carson Cooper had an outstanding game, playing a key role in the Spartans’ victory. In 13 minutes, Cooper played outstanding defense, posting an impressive plus-13 while scoring 6 points and grabbing 4 rebounds.

A great day and great performance for a freshman on the rise in the MSU program.

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WATCH: Jaden Akins throws posterizing dunk in MSU’s win over USC

Michigan State basketball’s Jaden Akins threw down a huge slam in the team’s win over USC in the NCAA Tournament.

Jaden Akins brought the energy in Michigan State’s first round NCAA Tournament win over USC. The sophomore wing scored 12 points while grabbing 6 rebounds and 3 steals.

Akins energy and intensity was emphasized when he threw down a huge slam in transition with a USC defender trailing.

Watch the insane transition slam via Twitter:

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Michigan State basketball: breaking down USC starting lineup, rotation

Breaking down USC’s starting lineup and rotational pieces:

Michigan State is gearing up to face USC in the round of 64 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. The Spartans, who come in as a 7-seed are looking to string together a couple of wins to move onto the second weekend of the tournament.

Standing in their way is the USC Trojans, who have an experienced starting lineup, and a plethora of scorers who could stymie any ideas MSU has at making a run.

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Let’s take a look at USC’s starting lineup, and the rotational pieces MSU will see on Friday:

Michigan State basketball: getting to know USC

Get to know Michigan State’s Rd. of 64 opponent, the USC Trojans:

There are just over 24 hours separating the Spartans and the USC Trojans from taking the court against one another in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 64. Both teams have been privy to the NCAA Tournament in recent history, and are looking to set themselves up for another run in 2023.

The two teams will meet at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, for the matchup on Friday afternoon at 12:15 p.m. EST on CBS.

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Let’s get to know Michigan State’s opponent, the USC Trojans:

Michigan State basketball’s x-factor against USC

Michigan State has one player who is a true ‘x-factor’ in the team’s matchup against USC on Friday:

Michigan State has checked in as the No. 7 seed in the East region of the NCAA Tournament and is set to face off against the USC Trojans. USC poses a very interesting matchup with Michigan State, and is going to put the pressure on one Spartan to bring his A-game on the defensive end of the floor.

While everyone knows USC star Boogie Ellis, I believe the true x-factor on the Trojans team is Drew Peterson. Peterson is a 6’9″ wing that averages 14 points per game, but the key is he is averaging over 15 points per game in wins for USC, while only averaging around 10 points per game in the Trojans losses. Limiting Peterson on the offensive end should be of the upmost priority for the Spartans.

A 6-foot-9 wing strikes a clear matchup problem for the Spartans, but there is one man that can step up to make things happen on the defensive end of the court for MSU, and that is Malik Hall.

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Hall, a 6’8″ wing can match Peterson’s size to avoid the post game, while having quick feet to stay with the Trojans standout.

If MSU is to win this game, and move on to the round of 32, Malik Hall is going to have to bring his A-game.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.