LOS ANGELES — The Michigan Wolverines rose to the challenge on Saturday night, defeating the USC Trojans 85-74 at the Galen Center, marking their third consecutive win in Big Ten play. The game displayed the competitiveness of both teams, with Michigan asserting its dominance through strong offensive plays and effective defense.
From the outset, Michigan took control, showcasing its impressive shooting. The Wolverines opened the game with relentless aggression, knocking down their first five 3-pointers, ending the half with ten successful shots from beyond the arc. Their offensive prowess was especially highlighted by Nimari Burnett, who led Michigan with 13 points at halftime, contributing to the team’s 42-38 lead at the break.
Despite Michigan’s explosive start, USC, under the guidance of first-year coach Eric Musselman, proved to be no pushover. The Trojans demonstrated resilience as they battled back from a 15-point deficit early in the second half. With newfound energy, they even managed to tie the game briefly. "Our small-ball lineup did a good job of getting us back in the game," Musselman noted. "We did a great job of defending."">
USC's comeback effort was commendable, with the Trojans rallying through key plays from their roster, particularly during the game's intense final moments. Standout performances helped USC momentarily take the lead, but Michigan quickly recalibrated, securing their victory with sound execution down the stretch.
Eric Musselman expressed optimism for his team after the defeat, acknowledging the developmental strides made since their earlier struggles this season. "This league dominates at home. We have an uphill battle," he said, framing the challenge as part of the growth process for his new roster comprised largely of transfers.
Michigan's head coach Dusty May emphasized the importance of adapting to challenges presented by opponents. The Wolverines capitalized on USC's defensive adjustments, executing well-designed halfcourt sets which opened opportunities for their big men, particularly Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin, to score inside.
The game saw several notable runs from both teams, exemplifying why basketball is often characterized as “a game of runs.” Michigan had multiple scoring bursts, including 10-0 and 13-0 runs, forcing USC to constantly play catch-up. The Trojans showed grit, with contributions from players like Saint Thomas and Wesley Yates attempting to stem the tide.
Fans contributed significantly to the atmosphere, with many donning maize and blue to support Michigan. During moments of high tension, the cheers for the visiting team echoed louder than those for the home side, confounding the usual dynamic of home court advantage. "At times, Michigan fans were louder than USC fans, which I would take any day of the week," said Michigan's Nimari Burnett, referencing the passionate support for his team.
Dusty May highlighted the unique environment as well, saying, "It felt like both home and away at the same time." He noted the energy brought by the Wolverines' large alumni base in Los Angeles, turning the Galen Center atmosphere electric.
The second half saw more evenly matched exchanges, with both teams exchanging leads amid mounting pressure on both sides as they were kept on their toes. Michigan found itself needing to execute smart plays amid rising intensity from the Trojans.
Despite the challenges, Michigan's composure shined through as they maintained control and secured key points when it mattered most. A notable moment was Tre Donaldson’s fast-break dunk, which electrified the crowd and set the tone for Michigan's confidence heading down the stretch.
The victory moved Michigan to 11-3 overall and solidified their position with a 3-0 record in the Big Ten, hinting at their potential to remain competitive throughout the season. Meanwhile, USC, falling to 9-5 and 1-2 within the conference, is still searching for consistency amid transitions.
Next, the Wolverines will look forward to their upcoming matchup against UCLA, continuing their West Coast venture. Coach May expressed excitement for the challenge, emphasizing continued commitment to improvement and teamwork.
On the other hand, USC will venture on their first road trip of the season against the Indiana Hoosiers, aiming to bounce back from this defeat. Musselman acknowledged the importance of growing through these experiences as they navigate this new chapter together, stating they will work on magical moments in practice.
With strong performances from both teams, this matchup served as a hallmark of competitive college basketball, showcasing skill, determination, and the ever-thrilling atmosphere associated with NCAA games.