In a stunning upset that left fans in disbelief, the No. 2 seeded Michigan State Spartans were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by the 4-seed Cornell Big Red, losing 4-3 in a thrilling semifinal match held at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio, on March 27, 2025. This shocking defeat marks the end of a promising season for the Spartans, who had high hopes after winning both the Big Ten regular season and tournament championships.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams exchanging leads. Michigan State struck first with a goal from Gavin O'Connell at the 12-minute mark of the first period. O'Connell's shot, assisted by Joey Larson, set the tone early as the Spartans aimed to assert their dominance. However, Cornell responded with tenacity, tying the game nine minutes later with a goal from Ryan Walsh.
As the first period drew to a close, Michigan State regained the lead with a power-play goal from Daniel Russell, making it 2-1 as the teams headed into the locker rooms. The Spartans looked to carry this momentum into the second period, but the Big Red had other plans.
In the second period, Cornell's Charlie Major scored to tie the game at 2-2, showcasing the Big Red's resilience. Just 17 seconds later, Karsen Dorwart answered back for Michigan State, giving them a brief 3-2 edge. The back-and-forth action kept fans on the edge of their seats, but Cornell would not be denied. Ryan Walsh, who had already scored earlier, netted his second goal of the night, leveling the score at 3-3.
As the clock wound down in the third period, tension filled the arena. With just 1:40 remaining, Michigan State's Matt Basgall took a costly tripping penalty, giving Cornell a crucial power-play opportunity. The Big Red capitalized on this chance when Sullivan Mack scored the game-winning goal with only 10 seconds left on the clock, sending shockwaves through the Spartan fanbase.
Trey Augustine, the goaltender for Michigan State, faced a barrage of shots throughout the game, making 17 saves on 21 attempts. Despite his efforts, it was not enough to secure a victory for the Spartans. "We had our chances, but we just couldn’t finish when it mattered most," Augustine said after the game, reflecting the disappointment felt by the entire team.
Michigan State's season, which had begun with such promise, ended in heartbreak. The Spartans had set ambitious goals for themselves, aiming for a deeper run in the NCAA Tournament after last year's exit in the regional finals. Head coach Adam Nightingale now faces the challenge of retooling his roster as he prepares for the next season, particularly with potential departures to the professional ranks looming.
"It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’ll learn from this experience and come back stronger," Nightingale stated in the post-game press conference. The Spartans will need to regroup and assess their roster as they look ahead to the next season.
On the other side, Cornell celebrated a monumental victory that propels them into the Toledo Regional Finals, where they will face Boston University on March 29, 2025. The Big Red, who claimed the ECAC Tournament title earlier this season, have proven they are a force to be reckoned with in this tournament.
As Cornell prepares for their next challenge, they will carry the momentum of this thrilling victory into the regional finals. "We fought hard and never gave up, and that’s what got us the win today," Mack said, expressing pride in his team’s performance.
The upcoming matchup against Boston University promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Frozen Four. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Cornell can continue their surprising run in the tournament.
This game not only showcased the unpredictability of college hockey but also highlighted the fierce competition that defines the NCAA Tournament. As the Spartans pack up for the season, they will undoubtedly reflect on what could have been, while Cornell looks to seize their moment on the national stage.
With the NCAA Tournament continuing, the excitement is far from over. The Frozen Four awaits, and teams are ready to battle it out for the ultimate prize in college hockey.
