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
Michigan State Wins as Neitzel Busts Slump
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)   (Associated Press)

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. (More Big Ten Conference stories.)

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