No. 12 Michigan State routs USC, hands Trojans their first back-to-back losses this season

NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!

Coen Carr scored 18 points and Jaxon Kohler added 16 on perfect shooting to lead No. 12 Michigan State to an 80-51 blowout of Southern California on Monday night.

Jeremy Fears Jr. had 15 points and seven assists for the Spartans (13-2, 3-1 Big Ten), who took control with an early 27-6 run and led by at least 20 for much of the second half.

Kohler made all six of his field goal attempts, including a trio of 3-pointers, and sank his only free throw. He also grabbed eight rebounds, two shy of a sixth straight double-double.

Kohler was the first Spartans player since at least 1996-97 to have at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in five consecutive games in a season, according to Sportradar.

Ezra Ausar scored 16 points and Jerry Easter added 12 for the Trojans (12-3, 1-3), who have lost consecutive games for the first time this season.

Michigan State led 33-17 at halftime with Kohler leading offensively, scoring eight points while seven teammates contributed at least two.

Carr and Fears improved their scoring in the second half to build a bigger cushion, combining to score 25 points after halftime.

Michigan State held Chad Baker-Mazara to four points after entering the game averaging 20.4 for USC.

The Spartans bounced back from a 58-56 loss to No. 10 Nebraska to win for the fifth time in six games.

The Trojans, who just lost 30 points to No. 2 Michigan, are likely ready to return home after being routed twice at Michigan State, but they will be in the Midwest for four more days as they play at Minnesota before returning to California.

Michigan State made half of its shots and held USC to 33 percent shooting.

The Spartans enjoyed a 25-5 advantage in fast break points and a 21-9 advantage in points coming off the bench.

To be continued

USC travels to Minnesota on Friday.

Michigan State hosts Northwestern on Thursday.

Associated Press reporting.

Want great stories delivered straight to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports accountand follow the leagues, teams and players to receive a daily personalized newsletter!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top