Preview: Southern California at Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. (Interstat) — A surging Michigan State squad looks to rebound from its first loss in over a month when it hosts a Southern California team seeking consistency in a Big Ten women’s basketball matchup Thursday night at Breslin Center.

The eighth-ranked Spartans (17-2, 5-1 Big Ten) saw a 12-game winning streak snapped in a 75-68 loss at Iowa on Sunday. Despite the setback, Michigan State remains among the conference’s elite, boasting a perfect 10-0 record at home this season. They are anchored by a balanced attack, with guard Jalyn Brown averaging 10.2 points and forward Grace VanSlooten coming off a 17-point performance against the Hawkeyes.

The visiting Women of Troy (11-7, 3-4) arrive with momentum after an emphatic 83-57 victory over Purdue, which snapped a four-game skid. Their fortunes hinge largely on the prolific scoring of guard Kara Dunn, who poured in 29 points in the win over the Boilermakers. Dunn has been a bright spot during USC’s recent struggles, averaging 20.7 points over her last seven games.

This contest presents a stark contrast in trajectories. Michigan State’s two losses have come by a combined 10 points, while Southern California’s seven defeats include four by six points or fewer and one blowout loss to UCLA.

The Spartans will aim to re-establish their defensive identity after allowing 75 points to Iowa, their highest concession since November. Containing Dunn will be a primary focus. For USC, replicating the defensive intensity that forced 22 Purdue turnovers will be critical against a deep Michigan State rotation.

Thursday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. It marks the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season.