The Cornell Big Red are massive underdogs when they visit the Michigan State Spartans tonight at Breslin Arena.
The Spartans' defense can be ferocious, and my Cornell vs. Michigan State predictions expect a low-scoring affair in East Lansing.
Read on as I share my college basketball picks for Monday, December 29.
Cornell vs Michigan State prediction
Cornell vs Michigan State best bet: Under 156.5 (-110)
When a team like the Cornell Big Red relies on the 3-point line for 45% of its scoring, it creates a high "ceiling" but a very fragile "floor."
Michigan State’s Top 10 defensive efficiency isn't just a number; it’s a suffocating and physical reality that will make life difficult for the Big Red tonight in one of the toughest barns to compete in.
By forcing Cornell to put the ball on the floor and attack the rim — where MSU features elite shot blockers and a massive rebounding advantage — the Spartans effectively remove the "high-percentage" 3-point volume Cornell needs to clear this total.
Furthermore, Cornell’s pace is dictated by its opponents’ willingness to run. Izzo’s slow-tempo, methodical basketball won’t give the Big Red the pace they crave.
By slowing the tempo and dominating the glass, MSU will limit the total possession count. If Cornell is forced into a half-court game against a top-tier Big Ten defense, its 45% reliance on downtown shooting becomes a liability, not an asset.
Take the Under.
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Cornell vs Michigan State same-game parlay
Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. is knocking down 31% of his 2.5 attempts from downtown. Cornell allows 37% shooting from long range, which Fears can beat for at least one triple.
Cornell is only 2-7-0 against the spread this season. Michigan State is 5-6-1 ATS, but it’ll blast the Big Red, especially since Izzo questioned the Spartans' toughness after failing to cover -20 against Oakland.
Cornell vs Michigan State SGP
- Under 156.5
- Jeremy Fears Over 0.5 threes
- Michigan State -26.5
Our beyond the arc SGP: Kohler than you
I’m expecting a brick-fest from Cornell tonight, and Jaxon Kohler has snagged more than 11 rebounds in five of his previous six games.
Cornell vs Michigan State SGP
- Under 156.5
- Jeremy Fears Over 0.5 threes
- Michigan State -26.5
- Jaxon Kohler Over 10.5 rebounds
Cornell vs Michigan State odds
- Spread: Cornell +27.5 | Michigan State -27.5
- Moneyline: Cornell +3500 | Michigan State -20000
- Over/Under: Over 159.5 | Under 159.5
Cornell vs Michigan State betting trend to know
Michigan State has hit the game total Under in 27 of its last 37 games (+16.00 Units / 39% ROI). Find more college basketball betting trends for Cornell vs. Michigan State.
How to watch Cornell vs Michigan State
| Location | Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI |
| Date | Monday, December 29, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FS1 |
Cornell vs Michigan State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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