Michigan Doesn’t Need Perfection to Dominate USC, Stays 13–0
Michigan didn’t need a perfect night to dominate USC.
In fact, the scary part for the rest of college basketball is how imperfect this performance actually was — and how little it mattered.
The No. 2 Wolverines steamrolled No. 24 USC 96–66 Friday night at Crisler Center, improving to 13–0 (3–0 Big Ten) and continuing a stretch that feels less like a hot start and more like something structural taking hold.
They didn’t shoot well from three.
They turned the ball over early.
They never fully hit top gear until late in the first half.
They played most of the second half without Yaxel Lendeborg.
And they still won by 30.
At some point, this stops feeling normal.
Dominance That’s Starting to Feel Routine
This wasn’t a game Michigan escaped. It was a game Michigan controlled — even while working through visible growing pains.
USC never led.
Michigan led for 99% of the night.
The largest lead reached 30.
When a ranked Big Ten opponent comes in as a 22.5-point underdog, and that number still feels conservative by the final horn, the conversation has to shift. This isn’t about matchups or scheduling anymore. It’s about ceiling.
Michigan is winning games comfortably without relying on hot shooting or flawless execution — and that’s how championship teams are built.
Morez Johnson Jr. Is Becoming the Problem
The headliner was Morez Johnson Jr., who delivered a career night with 29 points and made it look effortless doing it.
What’s becoming clear is that Johnson isn’t just producing — he’s creating matchup nightmares. His footwork, touch around the rim, and ability to move laterally like a guard eliminate the usual counters teams rely on against bigs.
Even when opponents think they’ve forced a favorable switch, Johnson holds his ground. When help comes, Michigan punishes it elsewhere. There’s no clean answer.
That’s the difference between a good post scorer and a centerpiece.
Michigan’s Size Isn’t Just Big — It’s Skilled
Michigan’s frontcourt advantage isn’t simply about height. It’s about playmaking size.
There was a moment that summed up the night: Aday Mara, all 7-foot-3 of him, blocked a shot, secured the ball under the rim, and fired a full-court dart to ignite a fast break. That’s not college basketball as usual — that’s a nightmare for defenses.
With Mara, Johnson, and Lendeborg, Michigan isn’t just big — it’s versatile. These bigs pass, run, defend in space, and initiate offense. When your centers can function as quarterbacks, defensive game plans fall apart quickly.
And even with Lendeborg limited in the second half due to a bruised calf, Michigan never lost rhythm. That’s depth meeting discipline.
Shooting Nights Don’t Dictate Outcomes Anymore
Michigan finished just 6-for-30 from three (20%).
In most games, that’s a recipe for stress.
For this team, it barely registered.
The Wolverines don’t live in the half court long enough for poor shooting to derail them. Their defense suffocates the paint, forces turnovers, and instantly turns stops into transition opportunities.
Elliot Cadeau continues to be the engine — arguably the most dangerous transition point guard in the country. The moment Michigan gains possession, they’re gone. Bigs sprint the floor. Wings fill lanes. Defenses scramble.
That’s why the shooting concerns don’t stick. Michigan doesn’t need to make threes when it’s scoring before opponents are set.
Dusty May Is Ruthless — and It’s Working
This isn’t random offense. It’s targeted.
When Michigan finds a mismatch, they don’t move away from it. They pound it until the opponent breaks. There’s no ego basketball, no wasted possessions, no “my turn” stretches.
That discipline is showing up everywhere — from lineup rotations to shot selection to how players accept reduced roles on a loaded roster.
The unselfishness stands out. Guys celebrate from the bench. Injured players stay engaged. Nobody hunts numbers. That’s culture, not coincidence.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Final: Michigan 96, USC 66
Record: Michigan 13–0 (3–0 Big Ten)
Team Stats
- FG: Michigan 48% | USC 34%
- 3PT: Michigan 20% | USC 22%
- Rebounds: Michigan 40 | USC 35
- Assists: Michigan 17 | USC 4
- Turnovers Forced: Michigan 21
- Points off Turnovers: Michigan 24
- Points in Paint: Michigan 46
Michigan Leaders
- Morez Johnson Jr.: 29 pts, 6 reb
- Elliot Cadeau: 7 ast, transition control
- Bench: 34 points
The Growing Pains Are Still There — and That’s Fine
This wasn’t flawless basketball. There were sloppy turnovers early. There were stretches where execution dipped. There were moments where the offense stalled briefly.
And Michigan still won by 30.
That’s the difference.
This team hasn’t peaked. It doesn’t need to yet. The structure is sound, the defense travels, and the depth absorbs mistakes. That’s why the national title conversation feels less like fan optimism and more like a logical progression
If Michigan can win by 30 while shooting 20% from three, what does an opponent actually need to do — or shoot — to beat them? Drop a comment below or Join the conversation in the Wolverine Wire — 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 Mitten Sports Talk
If you value in-depth, Michigan-first coverage like this, consider supporting what we’re building at MST:
👉 Support Mitten Sports Talk
