Reaction to Michigan State basketball's romp over USC: 'We got our mojo back'

Michigan State basketball is moving onto the 2023 NCAA tournament second round, after knocking out USC, 72-62, on Friday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Four MSU players scored in double figures, led by Joey Hauser's 17 points and four 3-pointers, as the Spartans broke the 34-all halftime tie after squandering a double-digit first-half lead. The Trojans got an up-close lesson about the Big Ten in this matchup, ahead of their 2024 entry into the conference.

USC standout Boogie Ellis was limited to six points on 3-for-12 shooting. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, in his walk off on-court postgame interview, specifically praised the defense of scoring guard Tyson Walker on Ellis. Walker and Jaden Akins each scored 12 points, and A.J. Hoggard added 11 points.

The Spartans (20-12), the No. 7 seed in the East Region, next plays Sunday against the winner of No. 2 seed Marquette and No. 15 seed Vermont.

SPLASH:When Joey Hauser shoots for MSU, we know it's going in. He does too.

Izzo is now 54-23 in the NCAA tournament.

Here's a sampling of reaction from Michigan State's victory.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball beats USC: 'We got our mojo back'