Michigan State’s defense shows up in the second half for a 72-62 win over USC

Michigan State Spartans #11 A.J. Hoggard (G) is being guarded at the top of the key by USC Trojans #0 Kobe Johnson (G). Photo by Andre Hollis/TGSportstv1.

 COLUMBUS, OH – In a matchup of Greek powerhouses of mythology and history, the Spartans of Michigan State slayed the Trojans of USC with a stifling lockdown second-half defense on their way to a 72-62 win at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Friday night.

Michigan State (20-12), seeded No. 7 in the East region was led by 17 points and eight rebounds from Joey Hauser who scored or assisted on nine of the Spartan's final 12 points down the stretch against tenth-seeded USC (22-11). 

“Our guards did the job there,” said Spartans coach Tom Izzo. “Joey rebounded pretty well. What did you end up with Joey, eight? He had some big rebounds. They found him for some big shots. He hit big shots.”

USC Trojans #24 Joshua Morgan going up for a two-handed dunk against the Michigan State Spartans’ defense. Photo by Andre Hollis/TGSportstv1.

The Spartans took an early double-digit lead after Mady Sissoko dunked off a smooth pass from A.J. Hoggard giving State a 24-13 lead with 9:09 remaining in the first half.

The Trojans would claw back to eventually take the lead off a three-pointer by Reese Dixon-Waters with 20 seconds left, 34-32. The first Trojan lead since the opening minutes.

A.J. Hoggard answered for the Spartans with a jumper to tie the game 34-34 going into the half.

Hoggard opened the second half with a layup 20 seconds in and the Spartans wouldn’t look back leading for the rest of the game. 

32 points in the paint and a swarming defense that limited Trojan star Boogie Ellis to only six points were huge difference-makers in the game for the Spartans.

“Unfortunately this game did not go as planned in the second half,” said USC coach Andy Enfield.

Joshua Morgan led the Trojans with 14 points and was the only USC starter that made more than half their shots. The Spartans face off against No. 2 seed Marquette, Sunday at 2:15 pm.