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Neitzel Catches Fire and Leaves OSU Firmly on the Bubble!!

Last Sunday, MSU fell in Columbus to the Buckeyes and it was largely in part because MSU’s star player all but disappeared. After hitting two three point field goals in the first half against the Buckeye’s last Sunday, Neitzel went scoreless the rest of the game. His team led most of the evening only to give the game away in the final five minutes.

The first round of the Big Ten tournament was a different story for Neitzel. When MSU needed a star, Neitzel rose to the top of his game. His 28 points on the afternoon was his season high and he was the only Spartan to score in double figures. Other than Drew’s 28 points, the only number on the MSU stat sheet that stood out was Suton’s nine rebounds.

Michigan State has the ability to take their Great Lakes neighbor and nemesis to the wire tomorrow. The question is whether or not MSU can get Neitzel free for open looks. MSU’s most recent match-up with the Badgers left them wondering how to get their star player some separation from Wisconsin’s Michael Flowers. Flowers was glued to Neitzel the entire game and took Drew completely out of rhythm. If MSU is to win tomorrow, it will have to get a big game from Neitzel. Michigan State will have to get production from their ‘big-men’ and Raymar Morgan is going to have to create for himself off the dribble.

I am hesitant to give my Spartan basketball prediction for tomorrow, but I was asked by one of my closest friends to put it in writing. I am an optimist and a diehard Spartan. Neitzel continues his hot streak tomorrow and helps MSU dispose of the Badgers. Make it MSU 63 Bucky 59.