Report: USC guard Drew Peterson to play vs. Michigan State, Vince Iwuchukwu a 'game-time decision'

USC will begin its NCAA Tournament run on Friday, facing off against Michigan State. Two of college basketball’s top programs will be facing off in the Round of 64 at the bottom of the East region, being the seven vs. 10-seed matchup. Both sides are hoping to be 100% healthy, with some positive news coming from the Trojans’ end.

According to Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports, Drew Peterson will play for USC after dealing with a back injury. Tip-off is scheduled for 12:15 ET in Colombus, OH, and just under two hours before, the Trojans have received a significant boost.

Peterson is the team’s second-leading scorer, only falling behind Boogie Ellis. In 32 appearances, the senior guard is averaging 14 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. An all-around quality player for the Trojans, having him on the court will significantly factor into potentially advancing.

While Peterson is expected to play, one decision has not yet been made. Rothstein is reporting Vince Iwuchukwu will be a game-time decision, also dealing with a back injury. The freshman did not play in the Pac-12 Tournament loss to Arizona State but is hoping to make his March Madness debut on Friday.

Iwuchukwu is averaging just over five points and hauling in 2.5 rebounds per game. If he is able to take the court on Friday, it will be his first appearance against a non-Pac-12 program. All 14 games played have been in conference play, debuting on Jan. 12 against Colorado.

***UPDATE*** – Things have tipped off in Columbus, with Peterson getting off to a good start. However, Iwuchukwu will not be playing on Friday afternoon for the Trojans. The back problem was too much for the freshman to get on the court.

USC head coach Andy Enfield discusses early morning tip-off

USC and Michigan State get to open Day 2 of the NCAA Tournament by playing in the early game on the schedule. The two teams tip off Friday at 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS from Columbus, Ohio.

It will be interesting to see if there is any adjustment needed for the Trojans, who will technically be playing at 9:15 a.m. of their usual time.

Head coach Andy Enfield said that isn’t a concern for his team heading into the game.

“Our television schedule this year, a lot of tip times 8:00 or later on the West Coast.” Enfield said. “So that was 11:00 p.m. So a lot of family and friends, I’m from Pennsylvania, a lot of people try to watch our games on the West Coast will have a little trouble at 1.00 in the morning when they end. But this is an early game. Told our players no excuses. It might feel like 9.00 a.m. in the morning but we’re in March Madness, you have to get ready to play mentally and go compete at the highest level.”