Nov 16, 2006, 17:05 GMT
New York, NY - The Michigan State Spartans and 19th-ranked Texas Longhorns are set to collide in the semifinal round of the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.
Michigan State has won its first three games of the season to earn a spot in tonight's semifinal round. Most recently, the Spartans rolled to a 73-41 romp over The Citadel. Michigan State has an all-time record of 68-20 in the month of November, and a victory over Texas would certainly boost the confidence of this squad.
Speaking of the Longhorns, they have yet to be tested, as they have rolled past both Alcorn State (103-44) and Chicago State (92-66). Texas set a program record last season with 30 victories en route to a share of the Big 12 title. Many of the top players from that club are gone, but the fact that the team is ranked 19th nationally suggests that there is plenty of talent still in place.
Texas has won the only two previous meetings with Michigan State, including an 85-76 triumph in 2003.
In the 32-point romp over The Citadel last time out, Michigan State played well on the defensive end of the court. The Spartans limited the Bulldogs to 29.4 percent shooting from the floor. Tom Izzo's club also earned a 23-8 advantage in points from the foul line and committed just 10 giveaways in the clash. Drew Neitzel led the way in the win over The Citadel with 17 points, while Raymar Morgan and Isaiah Dahlman contributed 10 points apiece. Through three outings, the Spartans are averaging 68.0 ppg while surrendering only 45.3 ppg to the opposition. They are shooting 50.8 percent from the floor, including 50 percent from three-point range, and they are holding their foes to 32 percent efficiency from the field. Rebounding has been a major area of strength, as Michigan State is pulling down almost 15 more rebounds per game than its opponents. Neitzel is averaging 13.7 ppg to pace the squad.
Texas led Chicago State by 14 points at intermission and rolled to the victory. Kevin Durant was outstanding in the triumph, as he tallied 21 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks. A.J. Abrams was even more productive at the offensive end, and he tallied 28 points on the strength of a sensational 8- of-11 effort from three-point range. Damion James tallied 14 points, and D.J. Augustin contributed 13 points in addition to nine assists. Defensively, the Longhorns limited their overmatched opponent to 39.7 percent shooting from the field. In the opening romp over Alcorn State, five players scored in double figures for Texas. Kevin Durant tallied 20 points in that clash, and he may be the best freshman in the nation. At 6-9 and 225 pounds, Durant is a tremendous athlete on every NBA radar.
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