Michigan defeats USC 96-66
Michigan Dominates USC in Statement Win
The Crisler Center was abuzz with energy as the University of Michigan men's basketball team took on their conference rivals from the University of Southern California (USC). The final score read 96-66, with Michigan emerging victorious in a dominating performance.
Michigan played host to the visiting Trojans, and it showed as the Wolverines came out strong in both halves. At halftime, Michigan led 49-31, setting the tone for the rest of the game. USC struggled to keep pace, trailing by as many as 30 points at one point in the second half.
The largest lead of the night belonged to Michigan, which held a 30-point advantage midway through the third quarter. The margin remained consistent throughout, with Michigan holding off any potential Trojan comeback attempts.
Key Stats
Michigan's balanced attack was on full display, shooting 48% from the field (31/65) and 72% from the free throw line (28/39). The Wolverines also controlled the glass, grabbing 40 rebounds while USC managed just 35. Michigan's defense also stifled USC's offense, holding them to a mere 34% shooting performance (20/58).
USC, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm. The Trojans shot just 38% from the field (20/58) and 56.9% from the free throw line (21/33). USC's defense also failed to contain Michigan's offense, allowing the Wolverines to score at will.
Advanced Metrics
Michigan's impressive shooting percentages translated well into advanced metrics. The team boasted an eFG% of 52.3%, indicating its ability to score efficiently within the paint and beyond the arc. Additionally, Michigan's free throw rate was a respectable 60.0%, while their OREB percentage stood at 27.5%. These statistics highlight the Wolverines' overall dominance in several key areas.
Context
The matchup between Michigan and USC marked an important conference game for both teams. The outcome has significant implications for their standings within the Big Ten Conference.