USC Women’s Basketball Set for Ranked Big Ten Matchup Against Michigan State
Trojans Aim to Continue Winning Ways After Emotional UCLA Victory
USC women’s basketball has been on a roll this season, and they will look to continue their momentum on Wednesday when they take on No. 22 Michigan State at home. The No. 4 Trojans (23-2, 13-1 Big Ten) are coming off an emotional win over rival UCLA, and they are now set for another tough test against the Spartans.
USC Triumphs Over Washington After Slow Start
In their last outing, USC survived a scare against Washington. After trailing by double digits in the first half, the Trojans rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Huskies 30-21 to secure a 78-70 victory. Sophomore phenom JuJu Watkins led the way for USC, scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
Watkins Continues to Dominate, Earns Player of the Week Honors
Watkins has been a force for the Trojans this season, earning her fifth selection as the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Player of the Week last week. In the win over UCLA, she had a monster performance with 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, and five assists. Her all-around play has been a major factor in USC’s success this season.
Michigan State Seeking Redemption After UCLA Loss
Michigan State (19-6, 9-5 Big Ten) enters this matchup looking to bounce back from a disappointing 75-69 loss to No. 1 UCLA on Sunday. The Spartans have lost three of their last five games and will be eager to turn things around against USC. Julia Ayrault is the leader for Michigan State, averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Game Information
USC vs. Michigan State
Wednesday, February 19, 2023
9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
Galen Center, Los Angeles, California
How to Watch
The game will be televised nationally on the Pac-12 Network. It can also be streamed online via the Pac-12 Now app or on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service.
Prediction
This is a matchup between two talented teams, but USC has the home-court advantage and has been playing better basketball lately. The Trojans are also led by the dynamic JuJu Watkins, who is capable of carrying her team to victory.
Predicted Score: USC 74, Michigan State 70
USC’s Recent Performance
USC has won five of its last six games, including a victory over then-No. 1 UCLA. Here are the Trojans’ last five results:
- Beat Washington 78-70
- Lost to Stanford 74-67
- Beat UCLA 71-60
- Beat Arizona 79-65
- Beat Arizona State 81-68
Michigan State’s Recent Performance
Michigan State has lost three of its last five games. Here are the Spartans’ last five results:
- Lost to No. 1 UCLA 75-69
- Lost to Ohio State 81-75
- Beat Purdue 72-65
- Lost to Rutgers 65-57
- Beat Wisconsin 75-63
Additional Notes
- USC is led in scoring by JuJu Watkins (18.6 ppg) and Kiki Iriafen (15.9 ppg).
- Michigan State is led in scoring by Julia Ayrault (15.3 ppg).
- USC is 11-0 at home this season.
- Michigan State is 2-2 against ranked opponents this season.
