Can Michigan State Close 2025 With a Three-Game Win Streak? A Look at Their Final Non-Conference Tests
As we inch closer to the new year, Michigan State men’s basketball is staring down a trio of non-conference matchups that could shape the tone heading into Big Ten play. The Spartans have had a start to the season that raised eyebrows-some skeptical, some cautiously optimistic-and now, with three games left on the 2025 calendar, the question is simple: Can they string together three straight wins to close out December?
Let’s break down what lies ahead and how MSU stacks up against Toledo, Oakland, and Cornell.
December 16 vs. Toledo | 6:30 PM ET
Toledo rolls into East Lansing at 5-5, but don’t let the record fool you-this is a team that can light up the scoreboard. The Rockets are averaging 80.4 points per game, which puts them in the top quarter of all Division I programs. That offensive firepower has been on full display lately: in their last seven games, they’ve scored 90 or more points four times.
What makes Toledo dangerous isn’t just their pace-it’s their balance. All five starters are averaging double figures, which means there’s no single player to key in on defensively. They push the tempo and share the ball, and if Michigan State isn’t locked in on defense, this could turn into a track meet.
That said, the Spartans have been solid defensively this season, only recently allowing an opponent to crack 70 points for the first time in their win over Penn State. But Toledo will test that discipline. Expect Tom Izzo’s squad to lean on their defensive rotations and rebounding to slow the Rockets down.
December 20 vs. Oakland | 12:00 PM ET (Little Caesars Arena)
Next up is a familiar in-state foe: Oakland. This matchup is always circled on the calendar-not just because of the proximity (just 80 miles separate the two schools), but because the Grizzlies always bring an edge when facing the Spartans.
Oakland is 5-6 on the season, but that record comes with context. They opened the year against a gauntlet of ranked opponents-Michigan, Purdue, and Houston-and held their own. They had rattled off four straight wins before falling to Northern Iowa by 12 last weekend.
This one will be played at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, giving it a different feel from a typical home game. It’s a neutral site on paper, but Michigan State fans usually show up in force for this annual showcase.
Still, expect Oakland to come out swinging. They’ve got nothing to lose and a chip on their shoulder, which makes them a sneaky threat.
For Michigan State, the key will be controlling the tempo early. If they can impose their style of play and avoid letting the Grizzlies hang around deep into the second half, they’ll be in good shape.
December 29 vs. Cornell | 7:00 PM ET
The final tune-up before Big Ten play comes against Cornell, another 5-5 team that’s shown flashes of being much more than their record suggests.
Cornell started slowly with back-to-back losses but then caught fire, winning five straight behind a dynamic offense that averages 88.6 points per game-ranking 23rd nationally. That scoring punch is led by Cooper Noard, who’s putting up 20.2 points per night and can heat up in a hurry.
The Big Red are coming off three straight losses, but all were competitive, including a narrow three-point loss to Samford. They play fast, shoot often, and aren’t afraid to take risks. For Michigan State, this is another game where defense will be the deciding factor.
If the Spartans can get stops early and avoid letting Cornell dictate the pace, they should be able to take care of business. But if they let Cornell get comfortable from the perimeter, things could get interesting.
Why These Three Games Matter
Beyond the obvious goal of entering 2026 on a high note, these matchups serve as critical prep for the grind of the Big Ten schedule. Starting January 2, it’s 18 straight conference games-no more margin for error, no more tune-ups.
This stretch is also a chance for Michigan State’s emerging core to gel. Players like Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. have been asked to step into bigger roles following the loss of nearly 65% of last season’s scoring. Carson Cooper’s move into the starting center spot has added a new layer to the frontcourt, and all eyes continue to be on Coen Carr-not just for his elite athleticism and defensive presence, but to see how far his offensive game has come.
These next three games are more than just opportunities to pad the win column. They’re a litmus test for where this team stands heading into the heart of the season. Win all three, and Michigan State enters conference play with momentum, confidence, and a clearer identity.
The calendar’s winding down, but for the Spartans, the real season is just about to begin.