Michigan State Braces for Cornell’s Elite Three-Point Shooters in Non-Conference Finale

The ninth-ranked Michigan State Spartans host the Cornell Big Red on Monday night. This game is the final non-conference test for Tom Izzo’s squad this regular season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Michigan State holds an 11-1 record and seeks a strong finish before Big Ten play intensifies. Cornell arrives with a 6-5 mark, known for a potent but defensively vulnerable style.

Cornell’s High-Powered Offense Poses Unique Threat

The Big Red’s statistical profile is extreme. They average over 90 points per game, ranking 16th nationally in scoring offense.

However, their defense ranks 346th, allowing nearly 85 points per contest. This creates a likely track meet. The team’s identity is built on the three-point shot.

Cornell leads the entire nation in three-pointers made per game. They hit an average of 14.2 shots from beyond the arc. Containing this barrage is Michigan State’s primary defensive objective.

Key Scorers Spartans Must Contain

Senior guard Cooper Noard is Cornell’s undeniable star. He averages 20.6 points per game on highly efficient shooting.

Noard makes 41% of his threes and an impressive 69% of his two-point attempts. This dual threat makes him a difficult cover. According to scouting reports, his consistent year-over-year improvement is notable.

Fellow guard Adam Hinton presents another sharp-shooting challenge. He connects on 46.7% of his three-point attempts this season.

Hinton averages 14 points per game as a first-year starter. The Spartans must run him off the three-point line. Jake Fiegen is the third major weapon, scoring 14.3 points per game since returning from injury.

Fiegen shoots 45.9% from deep. In total, Cornell’s top five three-point shooters all convert above 40%. This spacing and efficiency will test MSU’s perimeter defense discipline.

Monday’s clash represents a final exam for Michigan State’s defense against elite three-point shooters. How they contain Cornell’s perimeter arsenal will set the tone for the grueling conference schedule ahead.

Info at your fingertips

What time is the Michigan State vs. Cornell game?

The game tips off at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday. It will be played at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

Who is Cornell’s best player?

Senior guard Cooper Noard is their leading scorer. He averages 20.6 points per game and is an efficient shooter both inside and outside the three-point line.

What is Cornell’s biggest strength?

Their three-point shooting is historically good. They lead the country in made threes per game and have multiple players shooting above 40% from deep.

How can Michigan State win this game?

The Spartans must defend the three-point line aggressively. They also need to exploit Cornell’s weak defense by scoring efficiently in the paint.

Where can I watch the game?

The game will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Local radio coverage will be available on the Spartan Sports Network.