The Michigan Wolverines continued their electrifying season with a dominant performance against USC, showcasing why they're ranked second in the nation. Led by Morez Johnson Jr.'s spectacular 29-point explosion, the Wolverines dismantled the Trojans in a statement victory that highlighted their deep offensive talents.

Johnson Jr. was particularly impressive in the first half, scoring 17 points and setting the tone for Michigan's relentless assault. His career-high performance energized the home crowd and demonstrated the sophomore's emerging potential as a game-changing player.

The Wolverines wasted no time establishing control, bursting out to an early 11-0 lead powered by a suffocating defense that forced six quick turnovers. USC struggled to find rhythm against Michigan's defensive pressure, with star player Chad Baker-Mazara limited to just 12 points after battling early foul trouble.

Michigan's balanced attack was evident throughout the game, with Roddy Gayle Jr. adding 12 points and Will Tschetter, Trey McKenney, and L.J. Cason each contributing 10 points. This depth has been crucial to the team's impressive 13-0 start, matching their best beginning since the 2018-19 season.

A concerning moment came when starting guard Nimari Burnett was helped off the court after a hard fall, appearing to have sustained a potential eye and ankle injury. Despite this setback, the team's resilience shone through as they maintained their dominant performance.

By halftime, Michigan had built a commanding 49-31 lead, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Trojans, led by Jaden Brownell's 16 points and Erza Ausar's 15, never managed to seriously challenge Michigan's control in the second half.

This victory solidifies Michigan's status as a top-tier college basketball program and sets the stage for an exciting conference season. The Wolverines will look to continue their momentum when they visit Penn State in their next matchup, carrying the confidence of a team that looks increasingly like a national championship contender.