The University of Michigan basketball team delivered a resounding statement against USC, dismantling the Trojans in a comprehensive 96-66 victory that showcased the Wolverines' exceptional talent and depth. In a game that quickly became a one-sided affair, Michigan demonstrated why they are ranked second in the nation, overwhelming their opponents from the opening tip.

The first half was particularly brutal for USC, who struggled mightily to find any offensive rhythm. The Trojans were scoreless for an extended period, not recording their first points until Ezra Ausar scored a layup with 13:16 remaining in the first half - and even that came after missing their first seven field goal attempts. Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. was instrumental in establishing early dominance, shooting a perfect 7-7 and accumulating 17 points in the first half.

Foul trouble and turnovers compounded USC's difficulties, with the team committing 12 first-half turnovers and 15 team fouls. Chad Baker-Mazara, who attempted to spark some momentum with a few three-pointers, found himself with four personal fouls before halftime. Michigan capitalized on these miscues, building a commanding 49-31 lead heading into the second half.

The Wolverines continued their stellar performance after the break, maintaining an impressive 48% shooting accuracy. Johnson Jr. completed a career-best performance, finishing with 29 points on 10-12 shooting and adding 6 rebounds. For USC, Jaden Brownell led the scoring with 16 points before fouling out, while Ausar contributed 15 points on 3-9 shooting.

This challenging loss sets a difficult tone for USC's upcoming road trip. The team will face another ranked opponent, No. 9 Michigan State Spartans, on Monday, followed by a game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers the following week. Despite the setback, the Trojans will undoubtedly use this experience as an opportunity for growth and strategic refinement.

The game served as a stark reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball, where preparedness, depth, and execution can dramatically influence the outcome. Michigan's comprehensive victory underscored their status as a top-tier program, while providing USC with valuable lessons in resilience and strategic adaptation.