ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Interstat) — A marquee early-season conference clash featuring two of the nation’s remaining unbeaten teams will take place Friday when Michigan hosts Southern California at Crisler Center.

The matchup, organized by the Big Ten, pits the 12-0 Wolverines against the 12-1 Trojans in a high-stakes nonconference test for both programs. Michigan, one of a shrinking number of undefeated teams in men’s NCAA Division I basketball, has dominated its schedule, winning by an average margin of 32.8 points. Its most recent victory was a 112-71 rout of McNeese State on Dec. 29.

Southern California’s only blemish is a 76-84 home loss to Washington on Dec. 6. The Trojans have since won four straight, including a 102-63 victory over UC Santa Cruz on Dec. 21. They begin a rigorous stretch of Big Ten play with this contest.

A key individual battle will feature two impactful big men. Michigan’s Morez Johnson is averaging 14.3 points and has been a model of efficiency, scoring 24 points in 20 minutes against McNeese State. For USC, 7-foot center Gabe Dynes provides a defensive anchor. Dynes is coming off a standout performance against UC Santa Cruz with 16 points, five rebounds and four blocks in 21 minutes.

Both teams boast balanced scoring attacks. For Michigan, Aday Mara and Yaxel Lendeborg join Johnson as consistent contributors. Southern California counters with versatile performers like Chad Baker-Mazara and Jacob Cofie, who combined for 29 points and 14 rebounds in the Trojans’ last outing.

This game serves as a major resume opportunity for both sides. Michigan’s perfect record will face its toughest challenge to date against a Trojan squad ranked in the top 10. Southern California, seeking a statement road win, must contend with one of the most potent offenses in the country on its home floor. The outcome could significantly influence postseason seeding come March.

Following this game, Michigan opens its Big Ten schedule at Penn State on Jan. 6. Southern California continues its conference road trip at Michigan State on Jan. 5.