USC achieved a significant victory against No. 7 Michigan State, winning 70-64, bolstered by Desmond Claude, who played through an injury to score 19 points. The Trojans led consistently and demonstrated improved performance at home, beating their second top-25 team in a month under new coach Eric Musselman. Their defense played a crucial role, as Michigan State struggled to establish rhythm, keeping the margin just close enough for a tense contest. This win is pivotal for USC's tournament aspirations after recent challenges in the Big Ten conference.
Somehow, Claude missed only five minutes, reemerging from the locker room with only a light limp, still intact, determined to fight through the pain at whatever the cost.
It was a fitting image for what happened the rest of the way Saturday, as USC fought through an afternoon gauntlet to take down No. 7 Michigan State, 70-64 in what was unquestionably the biggest victory yet for new coach Eric Musselman.
Not only does it mark USC's second win over a top-25 team in the last month, but it's the Trojans' second Big Ten win at home, where they've struggled since the start of conference play.
USC led from start to finish. But at every turn, Michigan State threatened to climb back, several times cutting the lead to one score.
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