The Michigan Wolverines basketball team delivered a commanding performance against USC, showcasing defensive prowess that left the Trojans stunned and reinforced their status as an undefeated powerhouse.

With a remarkable 96-66 victory, Michigan improved to a perfect 13-0 season, their best start since 2018-19, dominating every aspect of the game against a talented USC squad.

The Wolverines' defense was particularly impressive, holding USC scoreless for the first 6:40 of the contest and forcing an astounding 19 turnovers. The Trojans struggled mightily, shooting just 33.9% from the floor and a dismal 20.8% from three-point range.

Morez Johnson Jr. emerged as the star of the night, scoring a career-high 29 points and displaying incredible energy that head coach Juwan Howard has come to rely on. Johnson, described as the team's 'junkyard dog', was nearly unstoppable, making 10 of 12 shots and eight of 10 free throws.

The game was punctuated by spectacular highlight plays, including breathtaking steals, fast breaks, and slam dunks that electrified the sellout crowd at Crisler Center. Particularly memorable was a sequence where Elliot Cadeau stole the ball, passed to Johnson for a thunderous dunk, and then received a stunning one-handed lob from Johnson just seconds later.

With this dominant win, Michigan continues to impress in Big Ten play, now sitting at 3-0 in conference matchups. Their next challenge comes Tuesday when they travel to Penn State, looking to maintain their perfect record and continued momentum.

While their three-point shooting remained inconsistent, going 6-of-30, the Wolverines' overall performance left no doubt about their capabilities. Players like Trey McKenney, L.J. Cason, and Will Tschetter all contributed double-digit scoring, demonstrating the team's depth and versatility.

The victory was made even more special by the presence of new football coach Kyle Whittingham, who received a thunderous standing ovation during the first half, symbolizing the united spirit of Michigan athletics.