What's Happening?
The Michigan State Spartans basketball team is set to face the Cornell Big Red in their final non-conference game of the regular season. The game is scheduled for Monday night, with tip-off at 7 p.m. ET. The Spartans, ranked ninth nationally, have an 11-1 record and are coming off a break for Christmas. They will be playing against Cornell, which has a 6-5 record. Michigan State's offense, ranked 46th nationally, is expected to perform well against Cornell's defense, which allows an average of 84.8 points per game, ranking 346th in the country. The Spartans' leading scorer, Jaxon Kohler, is anticipated to have a significant impact due to his height advantage over Cornell's players. Cornell, known for its three-point shooting, will rely on this
strength to compete against Michigan State.
Why It's Important?
This game is crucial for Michigan State as it marks the end of their non-conference schedule before they face Big Ten teams. A strong performance against Cornell could boost the Spartans' confidence and momentum as they head into more challenging conference games. For Cornell, this game presents an opportunity to test their skills against a top-ranked team, which could provide valuable experience and exposure. The outcome of this game could influence the Spartans' national ranking and their preparation for the upcoming Big Ten matches, starting with a game against undefeated Nebraska.
What's Next?
Following the game against Cornell, Michigan State will begin their Big Ten conference schedule. Their first game is against Nebraska, which is currently undefeated and ranked 13th. This transition to conference play will be a significant test for the Spartans, as they will face tougher competition. The performance against Cornell will be a key indicator of the team's readiness for the challenges ahead. Both teams will likely analyze the game to make necessary adjustments and strategies for their upcoming matches.
