Carr and Kohler Lead No. 12 Michigan State to 80–51 Win Over USC.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — No. 12 Michigan State delivered a dominant 80–51 victory over Southern California on Monday night, powered by strong performances from Coen Carr and Jaxon Kohler. Carr led all scorers with 18 points, while Kohler contributed 16 points on flawless shooting. Kohler connected on all six of his field-goal attempts, including three shots from beyond the arc, and made his lone free throw. He also pulled down eight rebounds, narrowly missing what would have been his sixth consecutive double-double.

Jeremy Fears Jr. added 15 points and seven assists for the Spartans (13–2, 3–1 Big Ten). Michigan State seized control early, using a 27–6 run to open a commanding lead and maintaining an advantage of at least 20 points for most of the second half. According to Sportradar, Kohler became the first Michigan State player since the 1996–97 season to record at least 10 points and 10 rebounds in five straight games during a single season. For USC (12–3, 1–3), Ezra Ausar scored 16 points and Jerry Easter added 12. The Trojans suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this year. Chad Baker-Mazara, who entered the game averaging 20.4 points per contest, was limited to just four points by the Spartans’ defense. Michigan State led 33–17 at halftime, with Kohler scoring eight points and receiving offensive support from seven teammates. Carr and Fears took over after the break, combining for 25 second-half points to extend the lead. The Spartans shot 50 percent from the field while holding USC to 33 percent shooting. Michigan State also dominated in transition, outscoring the Trojans 25–5 on fast breaks, and held a 21–9 advantage in bench points.

The win marked Michigan State’s fifth victory in its last six games, rebounding from a narrow loss to No. 10 Nebraska. USC, meanwhile, remains in the Midwest for several more days and will face Minnesota on Friday before returning to California.

Michigan State hosts Northwestern on Thursday.