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Neitzel Shoots MSU Past Pitt

Spartans punch ticket for Izzo's seventh Sweet 16

By Mitch Pritchard,  Newser User

Posted Mar 23, 2008 12:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – Drew Neitzel helped carry fifth-seeded Michigan State into the Sweet 16, keying the run that opened the game up for the Spartans, reports the Detroit News. Neitzel scored 21 points, including eight in a 2:10 seconds in the waning minutes, to lift Michigan State to a 65-54 win over Pittsburgh. The Spartans head to the Sweet 16 for the seventh time in Tom Izzo's 13 years as coach.

Neitzel's cohorts in the victory included freshman Kalin Lucas, who hit on a clinching drive late and had 19 points, and forward Goran Suton who scored 14 for the Spartans (27-8). Point guard Levance Fields scored 19 for Pittsburgh (27-10) and forward Sam Young had 15. Michigan State built a 38-28 to start the second half, but Pitt went on an 8-0 run to make it close down the stretch.

Pittsburgh center DeJuan Blair, center, battles for control of a rebound with Michigan State center Goran Suton, top, and forward Drew Naymick last night in  Michigan State's 65-54 victory.
Pittsburgh center DeJuan Blair, center, battles for control of a rebound with Michigan State center Goran Suton, top, and forward Drew Naymick last night in Michigan State's 65-54 victory.   (AP Photo/Bill Ross)
Michigan State guard Drew Neitzel, front, reacts after his team pulled ahead in the closing minutes of the the second half of Michigan State's 65-54 victory over Pittsburgh last night.
Michigan State guard Drew Neitzel, front, reacts after his team pulled ahead in the closing minutes of the the second half of Michigan State's 65-54 victory over Pittsburgh last night.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Pittsburgh forward Tyrell Biggs (5) reacts in the final seconds against Michigan State last night. Michigan State beat Pittsburgh 65-54.
Pittsburgh forward Tyrell Biggs (5) reacts in the final seconds against Michigan State last night. Michigan State beat Pittsburgh 65-54.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon yells to his team in the first half during a second round South Regional NCAA basketball game against Michigan State, Friday, March 22, 2008, in Denver.
Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon yells to his team in the first half during a second round South Regional NCAA basketball game against Michigan State, Friday, March 22, 2008, in Denver.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Michigan State guard Kalin Lucas (1) goes up for a shot against Pittsburgh in the first half during a second-round South Regional NCAA basketball game, Friday, March 22, 2008, in Denver.
Michigan State guard Kalin Lucas (1) goes up for a shot against Pittsburgh in the first half during a second-round South Regional NCAA basketball game, Friday, March 22, 2008, in Denver.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
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