Michigan State basketball: 4 keys to victory vs. USC Trojans

Michigan State basketball: 4 keys to victory vs. USC

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates winning the the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Duke Blue Devils at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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Dec 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) celebrates with fans after the game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The bigs’ time to shine

I believe MSU will only need good, not great, games from the duo of Mady Sissoko and Jaxon Kohler with a sprinkle of Carson Cooper. I think their experiences with Big Ten centers will help them with the smaller size of USC. This means more opportunities for rebounds, especially on the offensive end.

While the Spartans do a pretty good job of grabbing defensive rebounds, MSU has to take advantage of potentially having more offensive rebounds up for grabs.

Also, there’s no doubt that Sissoko will exit the first half with two fouls (Vegas odds at -550). I’d like to see him use one or both fouls on Peterson or Ellis trying to drive to the hoop. Show some toughness and make them think twice about trying to come through the lane.

They also are middle of the pack in assists throughout the Pac-12 so the drive and kick out isn’t their main strength.

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