On Monday night at the Breslin Center, Michigan State closed out 2025 with the kind of performance that reminds you why Tom Izzo’s teams are never ones to overlook come March. The Spartans handled business against Cornell, flashing depth, energy, and a few highlight-reel moments that had the home crowd on its feet.
From the opening tip, it was clear Michigan State wasn’t going to sleepwalk through this one. Jeremy Fears Jr. set the tone early, controlling the pace and showing off his ability to both facilitate and finish. Whether it was threading passes through tight windows or slicing to the basket, Fears looked every bit the floor general Izzo has been grooming him to become.
Divine Ugochukwu also made his presence felt in the first half, navigating Cornell’s pressure and staying composed under duress. He didn’t shy away from contact, and his ability to keep the offense moving was a key reason the Spartans got into an early rhythm.
In the paint, Carson Cooper brought the grit. He battled for rebounds, fought through double-teams, and muscled his way to some hard-earned buckets. His hustle plays didn’t always show up in the box score, but they helped MSU maintain control of the glass and set the physical tone against a Cornell squad that didn’t back down.
The highlight of the night? That belonged to Coen Carr.
In the second half, Carr threw down a thunderous dunk through contact that not only brought the house down but also drew the foul. The play sparked a wave of energy on the bench, with Jaxon Kohler and the rest of the Spartans erupting in celebration.
Moments like that don’t just fire up the fans-they galvanize a team. And you could see it in the way Michigan State locked in defensively and continued to push the pace.
Trey Fort added his own spark with a smooth three-pointer over a tight Cornell closeout, and Kur Teng showed poise moving the ball and making smart decisions in transition. Jesse McCulloch also got in on the action, knocking down a three in the first half that stretched the floor and kept Cornell’s defense honest.
The Spartans’ bench was active and engaged all night, and the chemistry was evident-both in the way they shared the ball and in the way they celebrated each other’s success. Whether it was Cam Ward slashing to the hoop or Denham Wojcik running the point late in the second half, everyone seemed locked into their role.
Cornell, to its credit, kept fighting. Head coach Jon Jaques had his group playing with intensity, and players like Cooper Noard and Gioacchino Panzini didn’t shy away from the moment. But Michigan State’s depth and physicality eventually wore them down.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Spartans had delivered a complete team performance-one that showcased their growing chemistry, their athleticism, and their potential as the Big Ten schedule looms.
It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement that this team is rounding into form, and with Izzo at the helm, that’s always a dangerous proposition for the rest of college basketball.