The Michigan State Spartans (18-2) travel to face off against the USC Trojans (12-8) on Saturday, February 1st. This game will be played at Galen Center in Los Angeles and televised on PEAC. Michigan State is coming off a win in their previous game, while USC is looking to get back on track from a loss to the UCLA. Tip-off is set for 4:30 ET.
Michigan State Spartans vs USC Trojans
The Spartans Are Coming Off A Win
Michigan State Spartans Recent Game/Games
Michigan State improved to 18-2 on the season with a 73-51 win over Minnesota on Tuesday. The Spartans were -14.5 favorites going into the game and covered the spread. The total points for the game were 124, falling under the O/U line of 139.5.
Michigan State dominated the first half, leading 36-16 at halftime. While they scored 37 points in the second half, they allowed 35 points, indicating a less dominant defensive performance after the break.
The Trojans Are Coming Off A Win
USC Trojans Recent Game/Games
USC’s record dropped to 12-8 after an 82-76 home loss to UCLA on Monday. The Trojans entered the game as +1 underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 158, surpassing the pre-game over/under line of 138.5.
USC trailed 42-37 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the second half, scoring 39 points while allowing 40.
Spartans Offense Breakdown
Michigan State put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 44.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 51.8%. They hit 54.8% of their two-point attempts, while connecting on 32% from beyond the arc, making 8 of 25 three-point tries. At the free-throw line, the Spartans shot 75%, hitting 15 of 20 attempts.
Dawson Garcia led the way with 21 points, shooting 56.2% overall and 1 of 3 from three-point range. Tre Holloman added 12 points, knocking down 4 of 7 threes for a 57.1% shooting percentage from deep. The Spartans also recorded 13 offensive rebounds and 20 assists in the game.
Trojans Offense Breakdown
USC put up 76 points in their last game, shooting 49.1% from the field and posting an effective field goal percentage of 58.2%. They connected on 66.7% of their two-point attempts, going 16 for 24, and hit 11 threes on 31 attempts, shooting 35.5% from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, they struggled, making just 57.9% of their attempts, going 11 for 19.
Rashaun Agee led the Trojans with 21 points, shooting 8 of 12 from the field, though he missed all 4 of his three-point attempts. Wesley Yates III added 19 points, hitting 4 of 9 from deep. Saint Thomas contributed 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Aday Mara grabbed a team-high 11 boards. Desmond Claude, Dylan Andrews, and Thomas each dished out 6 assists.
Spartans Team Defense
Despite Michigan State’s solid defensive effort, they allowed 51 points on 44% shooting from the field. The Spartans gave up 17 two-point field goals on 31 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 54% from inside the arc.
From beyond the arc, Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 32% shooting, as they connected on 8 of 25 three-point attempts. The Spartans also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 15 free throws, shooting 75%.
Trojans Team Defense
Michigan State’s defense held their opponent to 51 points, despite allowing them to shoot 44% from the field. The Spartans gave up 17 two-point field goals on 31 attempts, which translates to a 54% shooting percentage from inside the arc.
From three-point range, Michigan State’s opponent shot 32%, making 8 of their 25 attempts. The Spartans also sent their opponent to the free-throw line 20 times, where they converted 15 free throws for a 75% success rate. Michigan State allowed 13 offensive rebounds in the game.
Spartans vs Trojans Trends
- In their last three road games, Michigan State has averaged 76 points per game while allowing 68. The team’s record in this stretch was 3-0 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
- Across their last five home contests, USC has been good against the spread posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 3-2, while averaging 77 points per game.
- USC has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 2-1 SU and 2-1 ATS in their last three games.
- Michigan State has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 5-0 SU and 5-0 ATS in their last five games.
Spartans vs Trojans Prediction
Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +5.5, the Trojans is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 148.5 and given that our model is projecting 146 points between the teams, we like the under.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:February 1, 2025 Michigan State Spartans, USC Trojans