The USC Trojans are set to face the Michigan State Spartans, with all eyes on star guard JuJu Watkins. It is a crucial game for the Spartans, who currently stand sixth in the Big Ten standings. An upset victory could go a long way in helping them secure a playoff berth. However, USC doesn’t look like it will accommodate them. The Trojans have been on form since an unexpected loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes on the day of Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement.

This game will be a dogfight, as both teams will battle to secure their standings before March. Tip-off is at 9:30 PM EST on Wednesday, February 19. Here’s what to know:

Who takes the court?

Starting with the injury report, both teams seem to be completely healthy. Their lineups are intact as they walk into the Galen Center on Wednesday. As for their starting lineups, the projected five are as follows:

USC Trojans

1. JuJu Watkins (Guard)
2. Kiki Iriafen (Forward)
3. Rayah Marshall (Center)
4. Talia von Oelhoffen (Guard)
5. Kennedy Smith (Guard)

Michigan State Spartans:

1. Grace VanSlooten (Forward)
2. Theryn Hallock (Guard)
3. Jocelyn Tate (Guard)
4. Jaddan Simmons (Guard)
5. Julia Ayrault (Guard)

It will be interesting to see how the undersized Spartans fare against USC’s big frontcourt and talented backcourt star. While viewing the matchup as a whole is very exciting, there are a few players that you need to keep an eye out for.

Firstly, we have JuJu Watkins. The six-two guard is having a phenomenal season, leading the team in scoring. She is averaging nearly 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Trojans this season. Not only that, her recent performances have been nothing short of amazing.

Another is Julia Ayrault. The Spartans guard is also having a stellar season, albeit slightly less impressive than what JuJu was doing. Her presence will be felt in the backcourt-dominant matchup.

If you’re wondering where you can catch this game, your answer lies live on Peacock. It will be a beautifully competitive game. However, ESPN has the winning percentage tilted 86.4% to 13.6% in favor of USC. It will be up to the Spartans to prove them wrong.

JuJu Watkins’ explosive performances: looking for a repeat?

Both USC and Michigan State played UCLA in the last week, but the results were drastically different. The Trojans, with their starry lineup, won decisively. JuJu Watkins, the starting point guard, put up an impressive 38 points on highly efficient shooting from three.

On the other hand, Michigan State’s encounter with the Bruins ended in a tough defeat. It set the tone for this game, however. One side is out to prove everything they can, while the other is looking directly at March and what stands in their way to victory.

JuJu Watkins’ breakout performance included an absolute masterclass from deep. The six-two guard shot 6-9 from three, and 12-26 from the field. Her major highlight wasn’t her points, however, as the near triple-double is special for the other attributes as well. Watkins recorded 11 rebounds and 5 assists, but the surprising statistic is her 8 blocks. That’s right, she rejected her opponent’s shot eight times!

This game will be very interesting if she brings the same sort of heat to the Galen Center. Every USC fan is waiting for another big night, and this might just be it!