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Michigan State hosts Chicago State in season opener

Nov 13, 2007 - 2:44 PM Chicago St (0-1) at No. 12 Michigan St (0-0) 7:00 pm EST

EAST LANSING, Michigan (Ticker) -- No. 12 Michigan State hopes that its season opener will go a little better than the exhibition season did.

The Spartans, who lost Division II Grand Valley State in double overtime on November 2, will open their season at home against Chicago State on Tuesday.

Michigan State, which was ranked eighth when the polls originally came out, also defeated Michigan Tech by six points on Wednesday in preseason play.

Guard Drew Neitzel led the team in scoring last season at 18.1 points per game. The point guard again will be counted on heavily.

The Spartans, who return all five starters from last season, have made the NCAA Tournament for 10 consecutive seasons - including four Final Four appearances.

Chicago State was 9-20 last season, including a 69-61 loss to the Spartans. Neitzel scored 32 points to pace the Spartans. David Holston scored 29 points for the Cougars in the 96-85 season-opening loss Cal-State Northridge on Saturday.