Michigan State Dominates Cornell in High-Scoring Affair
Monday, December 29, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Breslin Center
Michigan State Spartans 114, Cornell Big Red 97, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cornell Big Red vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans beat Cornell Big Red 114-97 at Breslin Center on December 29, 2025.
Who was favored in Cornell Big Red vs Michigan State Spartans?
Michigan State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -6500 (about 98% implied). The favorite won.
The Michigan State Spartans delivered a commanding performance against the Cornell Big Red, finishing the game with a score of 114 to 97. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it showcased Michigan State's strong home record of 12-1, further solidified by their recent form, which included a streak of three consecutive wins leading into this game.
In their last ten games, Michigan State recorded a solid 9-1, averaging 78.7 points while allowing just 62.5 points per game. Their home performance has been impressive, with a home record of 5-1. In contrast, Cornell, with an away record of 3-4, has struggled to find consistency, although they managed to secure a win in their most recent game against UAlbany, bringing their overall record to 6-6.
The game took place at the Breslin Center, where Michigan State has thrived. The Spartans' recent scoring average of 75.6 points in their last five games reflects their offensive prowess, while their defense has allowed an average of 65.8 points. Cornell, on the other hand, has been involved in high-scoring games, averaging 89.2 points in their last ten outings but also conceding an average of 82.3 points, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
The odds for this game, provided by DraftKings, indicated a significant expectation for Michigan State to dominate, with a spread of -23.5 and a total set at 160.5. The home moneyline was heavily favored at -6500, while Cornell's moneyline sat at 2000, reflecting the disparity in perceived strength between the two teams.
In terms of player performances, the game featured several notable scoring plays. Mateen Rafiq of Cornell made a 28-foot three-point jumper, showcasing his shooting range, while Nick Sanders of Michigan State contributed with a 25-foot three-point jumper, further extending the Spartans' lead. The game was characterized by a flurry of scoring, particularly in the second half, where both teams pushed the pace.
The conditions for the game were conducive to an exciting matchup, with both teams eager to assert themselves. Michigan State's ability to score efficiently and their depth in offensive talent played a crucial role in their victory. The Spartans' strong home court advantage was evident, and they capitalized on it effectively.
Overall, the game served as a reminder of Michigan State's dominance at home and their ability to score in bunches, while Cornell will need to address their defensive shortcomings as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSU -23.5 | 160.5 o -105 / u -115 | Cornell Big Red +2000 · Michigan State Spartans -6500 |
Leaders
- PointsJeremy Fears Jr.21Michigan State Spartans
- AssistsJeremy Fears Jr.11Michigan State Spartans
- ReboundsJaxon Kohler10Michigan State Spartans
- PointsCooper Noard19Cornell Big Red
- AssistsDaMaryon Fishburn5Cornell Big Red
- ReboundsJake Fiegen7Cornell Big Red
Recent form
Michigan State Spartans
Last 10: 9-1Streak W378.7 scored · 62.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W79-70vs Oakland Golden GrizzliesDec 20
- W92-69vs Toledo RocketsDec 16
- W76-72at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 13
- L60-66vs Duke Blue DevilsDec 6
- W71-52vs Iowa HawkeyesDec 3
- W74-58at North Carolina Tar HeelsNov 27
- W89-56at East Carolina PiratesNov 25
- W84-56vs Detroit Mercy TitansNov 21
- W83-66at Kentucky WildcatsNov 18
- W79-60vs San José State SpartansNov 13
Cornell Big Red
Last 10: 6-4Streak W189.2 scored · 82.3 allowed per game3-4 away
- W83-75at UAlbany Great DanesDec 21
- L90-93at Samford BulldogsDec 8
- L80-93at Towson TigersDec 4
- L81-99at George Mason PatriotsDec 3
- W101-72at Bucknell BisonNov 30
- W114-70vs Misericordia CougarsNov 26
- W95-94vs Colgate RaidersNov 21
- W86-73vs Army Black KnightsNov 19
- W97-78at Lafayette LeopardsNov 13
- L65-76at Illinois State RedbirdsNov 9
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale | 24-7 | - | 11-3 |
| Harvard | 17-12 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Pennsylvania | 18-12 | 2 | 9-5 |
| Cornell | 15-13 | 3 | 8-6 |
| Columbia | 16-12 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Dartmouth | 11-16 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Princeton | 9-20 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Brown | 9-18 | 8 | 3-11 |
| Michigan | 37-3 | - | 19-1 |
| Nebraska | 28-7 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Michigan State | 27-8 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Illinois | 28-9 | 4 | 15-5 |
| Wisconsin | 24-11 | 5 | 14-6 |
| Purdue | 30-9 | 6 | 13-7 |
| UCLA | 24-12 | 6 | 13-7 |
| Ohio State | 21-13 | 7 | 12-8 |
| Iowa | 24-13 | 9 | 10-10 |
| Indiana | 18-14 | 10 | 9-11 |
| Minnesota | 15-18 | 11 | 8-12 |
| USC | 18-14 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Washington | 16-17 | 12 | 7-13 |
| Rutgers | 14-20 | 13 | 6-14 |
| Northwestern | 15-19 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Oregon | 12-20 | 14 | 5-15 |
| Maryland | 12-21 | 15 | 4-16 |
| Penn State | 12-20 | 16 | 3-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Cornell Big Red | Michigan State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-70 | 36-65 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 15-44 | 13-28 |
| Three-point % | 34 | 46 |
| Free throws | 18-23 | 29-43 |
| Free throw % | 78 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 30 |
| Assists | 19 | 30 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 33 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 42 |
| Fouls | 35 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 26 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 38 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half63-75Carson Cooper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-76Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-76Jacob Beccles makes layup
- 2nd Half65-77Trey Fort makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-78Trey Fort makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-80Coen Carr makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Divine Ugochukwu assists)
- 2nd Half65-81Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-82Coen Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-83Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-84Jeremy Fears Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-85Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-86Coen Carr makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-87Coen Carr makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-87Cooper Noard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-89Divine Ugochukwu makes layup
- 2nd Half69-89Jax Abalos makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jacob Beccles assists)
- 2nd Half69-90Jesse McCulloch makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-91Jesse McCulloch makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-91Jacob Beccles makes layup
- 2nd Half71-94Jeremy Fears Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kur Teng assists)
- 2nd Half71-96Cam Ward makes 3-foot dunk (Jesse McCulloch assists)
- 2nd Half74-96Jacob Beccles makes 26-foot three point jumper (DaMaryon Fishburn assists)
- 2nd Half74-98Jesse McCulloch makes 4-foot dunk (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half77-98Josh Baldwin makes 25-foot three point jumper (Corbin Zentner assists)
- 2nd Half77-99Carson Cooper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-99Mateen Rafiq makes 27-foot three point jumper (DaMaryon Fishburn assists)
- 2nd Half80-101Kur Teng makes 17-foot step back jumpshot (Carson Cooper assists)
- 2nd Half83-101Jax Abalos makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mateen Rafiq assists)
- 2nd Half83-104Divine Ugochukwu makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jeremy Fears Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half83-107Divine Ugochukwu makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half83-108Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-109Jaxon Kohler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half86-109Mateen Rafiq makes 28-foot three point jumper (DaMaryon Fishburn assists)
- 2nd Half86-111Trey Fort makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half89-111Mateen Rafiq makes 26-foot three point jumper (AJ LaBeau assists)
- 2nd Half91-111Ian Imegwu makes layup
- 2nd Half92-111Ian Imegwu makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half94-111Mateen Rafiq makes 16-foot jumper
- 2nd Half94-114Nick Sanders makes 25-foot three point jumper (Denham Wojcik assists)
- 2nd Half97-114Ian Imegwu makes 28-foot three point jumper (DaMaryon Fishburn assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Michigan State Spartans, below favours Cornell Big Red.
Venue
- Breslin CenterEast Lansing, MI
- Attendance14797
- OfficialsLarry Scirotto, Earl Walton, John Floyd
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