A Historic Night at the Breslin: Izzo Hits 750, Spartans Crush USC
Sometimes you don’t need style points — you just need a response. After a frustrating road loss at unbeaten Nebraska raised real questions about offensive rhythm and shot quality, Michigan State returned home Monday night looking to reset. On a national FS1 stage, the Spartans delivered exactly that.
No. 12 MSU dismantled USC 80–51 at the Breslin Center, improving to 13–2 overall and 3–1 in Big Ten play. It was dominant, disciplined, and — considering Michigan had beaten USC by 30 just days earlier — very much a measuring-stick performance.
The Spartans passed with flying colors.
750 Wins for Tom Izzo
The headline belongs to Izzo. With the win, he notched career victory No. 750, becoming just the 23rd coach in Division I history to reach that mark — and remarkably, every single one has come in East Lansing.
But this wasn’t a ceremonial night carried by emotion. It was a vintage Izzo performance: suffocating defense, rebounding dominance, and relentless pace. USC entered the game with the second-highest scoring offense in the conference. They left Detroit humbled.
The Trojans shot 18-for-55 (33%) from the field and 3-for-17 from three, struggling to breathe against Michigan State’s pressure. By halftime, it was already academic.
Defense, Pace, and the “Izzo Blueprint”
This game followed the exact formula Michigan State wants to live by in March.
The Spartans won the battle of the glass on both ends, pushed the tempo at every opportunity, and turned defense into offense. The fast-break points told the story: 25–5, a lopsided margin that felt even larger in real time.
USC was constantly on its heels. Missed shots became runouts. Runouts became dunks. And the Breslin fed on it.
Kohler, Fears, and Carr Lead the Way
Offensively, the Spartans were balanced and composed.
Jaxon Kohler continued his efficiency clinic, finishing with 16 points on perfect shooting. His ability to stretch the floor — including early three-point makes — opened everything up and punished USC for packing the paint. Quietly, he’s become one of MSU’s most reliable anchors.
Jeremy Fears Jr. was exactly what this team needed after the Nebraska loss: under control, poised, and efficient. He orchestrated the offense without forcing anything, keeping the Spartans in rhythm and making the right reads all night.
Then there was Coen Carr.
Carr led all scorers with 18 points, providing multiple highlight-reel dunks that brought the crowd to life. USC seemed content to let him launch from deep — and while he went 1-for-5 from three, that’s still not where he’s at his best. Carr is most dangerous attacking the rim or pulling up from midrange, where his touch and timing shine.
Still, the fact that he’s even taking those shots tells you something: Izzo’s clearly encouraging confidence. If Carr ever adds that perimeter shot consistently, the ceiling on this team jumps significantly.
The Paul Davis Sideshow
In one of the stranger moments of the season, former Spartan standout Paul Davis was ejected from the stands after a verbal exchange with an official.
It was surreal — a brief interruption on a night otherwise defined by celebration. Izzo addressed it postgame with his usual balance: defending the passion of his former players while acknowledging that there’s a line that can’t be crossed.
Odd moment. Ultimately forgettable in the context of the night.
Stat Capsule 📊
Final Score: Michigan State 80, USC 51
Records: MSU 13–2 (3–1 Big Ten) | USC ?
Game Leaders
- Points: Coen Carr – 18
- Efficient Scoring: Jaxon Kohler – 16 (perfect from the field)
- Floor General: Jeremy Fears Jr. – steady, controlled play
Team Shooting
- MSU: Efficient and balanced
- USC: 33% FG | 3-for-17 from three
Hustle & Control
- Fast-break points: MSU 25, USC 5
- Rebounding edge: Michigan State
- First-half defense: USC held to 17 points
Looking Ahead
Michigan State doesn’t get much time to soak it in. The Spartans continue their homestand Thursday night against Northwestern Wildcats, with tip set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
For now, though, this felt important. Not just because of 750 — but because it answered real questions after Nebraska. When the defense is this locked in, the pace this relentless, and the core firing together, Michigan State is a tough out for anyone.
After facing both Michigan and Michigan State in the same week, USC was probably more than ready to leave the state.
Go Green.
Join the conversation in the Spartans Sound Off — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
Support MST: If you enjoy independent Michigan sports coverage, consider supporting what we’re building at Mitten Sports Talk 👉 SUPPORT MITTEN SPORTS TALK
