No. 9 Michigan State vs. Cornell: How to Watch & Prediction

WHO: No. 9 Michigan State (11–1, 2–0 Big Ten) vs. Cornell (6–5)

WHEN: Monday, December 29th, 7:00 PM EST

WHERE: Jack Breslin Student Events Center, East Lansing, MI

WATCH: Fox Sports One

STREAM: FuboTV

After a nice long week filled with rest and relaxation, eggnog, caroling, and plenty of yuletide fun, Michigan State basketball returns to action to close out the 2025 calendar year with a home matchup against Cornell.

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The Spartans have been remarkably steady throughout the month of December, sitting at No. 9 in the AP Poll and third in the Big Ten for most of the season. Michigan State’s lone blemish on the year came back in a 66–60 loss to Duke, a game that was far more competitive than the final score indicated. Since then, Tom Izzo’s group has rattled off wins over Penn State, Toledo, and most recently Oakland in what can only be described as an ugly sweater showdown for the ages.

That Oakland win marked Michigan State’s 24th straight victory against Greg Kampe’s Golden Grizzlies, continuing a perfect all-time record in the series. While the nine-point win was never truly in doubt, it was closer than many fans expected—and closer than the Spartans would likely prefer heading into conference play.

Now, Michigan State turns its attention to Cornell in what serves as the final non-conference tune-up before the real grind begins. After this game, the Spartans face 18 straight Big Ten matchups, a relentless gauntlet that ultimately leads to the Big Ten Tournament and, hopefully, a deep March run.

If Michigan State hopes to “hold serve” through that stretch, games like this need to function as tune-ups, not stress tests. And while some fans were quick to point out that “Michigan beat Oakland by 50,” that comparison showed more ignorance about college basketball than insight. Oakland was always going to play Michigan State tough. Still, even acknowledging that reality, there were some glaring weaknesses that showed up and must be addressed…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-9-michigan-state-vs-172212667.html

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Publish date : 2025-12-27 17:22:00

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