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Michigan State Wins as Neitzel Busts Slump

No. 11 Spartans' star has big second half vs. Tubby Smith's crew

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 20, 2008 9:00 PM CST

(Newser) – Minnesota hoped to make a move in the Big 10 with consecutive home games against Indiana and Michigan State. That didn't quite work out as the Gophers dropped both, including today, 78-73, to the Spartans, writes AP. Drew Neitzel broke out of a shooting slump and lived up to his preseason billing, making five three-pointers in the second half.

"Hopefully this will be a start for him because we really need him," said his coach, Tom Izzo. Neitzel finished with 19 points while teammate Kalin Lucas had 12 for the No. 11 Spartans. With freshman point guard Al Nolen injured, the Gophers' offense struggled as his replacement was forced into several turnovers. Lawrence McKenzie led Minnesota with 20 points.

Michigan State center Drew Naymick (34) celebrates with teammates Travis Walton (5) and Raymar Morgan (2) in the final seconds of their 78-73 win over Minnesota on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Michigan State center Drew Naymick (34) celebrates with teammates Travis Walton (5) and Raymar Morgan (2) in the final seconds of their 78-73 win over Minnesota on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis....   (Associated Press)
Minnesota guard Lawrence McKenzie, left, drives around Michigan State guard Travis Walton (5) during the first half Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Minnesota guard Lawrence McKenzie, left, drives around Michigan State guard Travis Walton (5) during the first half Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)   (Associated Press)
Michigan State guard Durrell Summers (15) shoots against Minnesota forward Damian Johnson (34) during the first half Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Michigan State guard Durrell Summers (15) shoots against Minnesota forward Damian Johnson (34) during the first half Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)   (Associated Press)
Michigan State Drew Neitzel (11) shoots against Minnesota during the second half of a basketball game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. Neitzel had a team high 19 points, including five three-pointers as Michigan State beat Minnesota 78-73. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Michigan State Drew Neitzel (11) shoots against Minnesota during the second half of a basketball game Sunday, Jan. 20, 2008 in Minneapolis. Neitzel had a team high 19 points, including five three-pointers...   (Associated Press)
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