Cornell Shocks Michigan State in Dramatic NCAA Upset

TOLEDO, Ohio – In a stunning upset, No. 4 Cornell defeated top-seeded Michigan State 4-3 in the NCAA Tournament Toledo Regional Semifinal on March 27, 2025. This unexpected victory ended Michigan State’s impressive season, concluding with a 26-7-4 record, which included championships in both the Big Ten regular season and conference tournament.

Playing at the Huntington Center, Michigan State initially seized control of the match, with junior forward Gavin O’Connell scoring the first goal from a defensive turnover by Cornell, putting the Spartans ahead 1-0. Cornell’s leading scorer, Ryan Walsh, answered shortly after, tying the game 1-1 before MSU reclaimed the lead with a power play goal by Daniel Russell just before the end of the first period.

The Big Red evened the score again in the second period when Charlie Major scored, but MSU responded quickly with a goal from Karsen Dorwart, ending the second frame ahead 3-2.

As the third period progressed, Michigan State maintained a clear advantage in shots but struggled to keep Cornell at bay. Cornell’s Walsh scored again, tying the game at 3-3 with just over seven minutes remaining. Tensions rose when Michigan State’s Matt Basgall received a tripping penalty, paving the way for Cornell’s comeback.

With only 10 seconds left on the clock, Sullivan Mack netted the game-winning goal on the power play, sealing the fate of the Spartans and sending Cornell to the regional final against Boston University, who defeated Ohio State earlier that day.

Despite this heart-wrenching defeat, the Spartans showcased their strength throughout the season and will look to regroup for the next one. Head coach Adam Nightingale highlighted the team’s resilience, mentioning star players like Isaac Howard, who was a top-10 Hobey Baker finalist, and goaltender Trey Augustine, a finalist for the Mike Richter Award. This loss serves as a painful reminder of the unpredictability of the NCAA tournament, where any team can rise to the occasion.

Cornell, on a seven-game winning streak after recently claiming the ECAC championship, will face Boston University in hopes of advancing to the Frozen Four in St. Louis.