ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Interstat) — The Michigan Wolverines, one of the nation’s last remaining unbeaten teams, delivered a commanding statement on Friday night, overwhelming the visiting Southern California Trojans 96-66 in a nonconference men’s basketball game at a sold-out Crisler Center.

From the opening tip, the 13-0 Wolverines imposed their will, particularly on the defensive end, setting a tone that the 12-2 Trojans could never disrupt. The most important stretch of the game came immediately, as Michigan opened with a devastating 15-0 run over the first five minutes, a surge from which Southern California never recovered.

The sequence was a showcase of Michigan’s defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. It began with 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara of Spain winning the opening tip and converting a putback layup just 19 seconds in. After a USC turnover, Mara stole the ball, leading to a Yaxel Lendeborg dunk. More forced turnovers and missed shots by the Trojans followed, with Michigan’s Morez Johnson capping the run with a layup off a Nimari Burnett assist. Southern California did not score until the 14:50 mark of the first half, by which point the contest’s trajectory was firmly set.

Johnson, a 6-foot-9 sophomore from Riverdale, Illinois, was the game’s dominant force, scoring 29 points in just 26 minutes. He was efficient and relentless, scoring through contact and in transition, and his performance underscored Michigan’s overwhelming physical advantage. He has now scored 53 points in his last two games.

The Wolverines led 49-31 at halftime and never allowed the Trojans within striking distance in the second half, extending the lead to as many as 32 points. Michigan’s depth was on full display, with six players scoring in double figures. Roddy Gayle added 12 points, while LJ Cason, Will Tschetter and Trey McKenney each chipped in 10 points. Point guard Elliot Cadeau orchestrated the offense with 7 points and 7 assists.

Southern California, which entered the game with only one loss, was led by Jaden Brownell’s 16 points. Ezra Ausar contributed 15 points and Chad Baker-Mazara had 12, but the Trojans were plagued by 20 turnovers, which Michigan converted into 28 points. The Wolverines also dominated in the paint, outscoring USC 52-30.

The victory extends Michigan’s perfect start to the season and reinforces its status as a national contender. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Michigan had a 90.7% probability to win, and they covered the pregame spread of 22 points with ease. The total score of 162 fell under the over/under line of 168.5.

Southern California’s season record now stands at 12-2, while Michigan improves to 13-0. The Trojans will look to rebound quickly as they continue a tough Big Ten road swing at Michigan State on Monday. Michigan, meanwhile, heads to Penn State on Tuesday aiming to preserve its unblemished record.

The announced attendance was 12,707 at Crisler Center.