The Spartans claimed their seventh victory by beating No. 4 Kansas 66-54 in the Great Eight, despite a second-half surge from Kansas.

Chipping in 10 points and grabbing three steals was Andre Hutson, who took part in an ESPN.com chat immediately following the game. Below is a transcript of Hutson's chat.

gteam: You seemed to be much more physcial than KU. It always seemed you had KU out of postion. Would you say your a stronger team then KU?

Andre Hutson: I think we took it to em but they did the same thing. They were bigger than us but we just wanted to play a real physical game tonight and that's what we did.

Marc from the Izzone!: Good game Andre. How important is it to play a tough non-confrence schedule like we have? Do you think it will give us the edge come tourney time? Good luck Saturday against 'Zona!

Andre Hutson: It's very important. It should help us this year. We'll take some of the stuff we learn now and use it later on down the road.

Vinnie: What do you think your chance is of winning the national championship when Cleaves comes back?

Andre Hutson: I think we have a pretty good chance. If we can just continue to play the way we have and adjust to the way he plays I think we will have a very good shot.

SpartanFan: Andre, do you go into every game with the mindset that you will dominate the boards, both defensively, and offensively?

Andre Hutson: Pretty much. You have to have that attitude to be successful. We are lacking that aspect right now with Antonio being gone so I'm taking that over this year.

Kris Thiel; MSU 91': Andre, what is the word on the two freshman from Ohio? Are they redshirted, injured, or observing for awhile to get acquainted!!???

Andre Hutson: Both of them are injured right now. They should be back in the next week or so. The word on them should come out pretty soon.

Spartan23: I just wanted to say that you have shown a lot of maturity this year and I was wondering what you feel about the team this year?

Andre Hutson: I think our team is really coming together this year. I think the team regrouped to form around each other. We've been focusing on doing things as a team and not as individuals. Alot of guys are taking leadership roles and stepping their game up alot.

Nate Lewis: Ask him about the '00 recruiting class!!!!!!!!

Andre Hutson: I'm loving it! I can't wait for them to get here. I think they can really help us. Zach is going to be a big help down low so I am really looking forward to that class next year.

Southern Spartan MSU 92: Caught your game down here vs UNC last week, that place was awesome. Did you guys think that was the toughest visitor court you've played in so far or are some in the Big Ten louder?

Andre Hutson: Most definitely it was one of the loudest. Since I've been at MSU that place has to be at least in the top three.

Izzone99Alum: Hey Andre, what's up with Charlie Bell's hair?

Andre Hutson: He's been talking about it for awhile. He shocked us when he came into practice. But the way he played tonight he can keep it that way all year!

Thanks for the questions. I've got to run. Take care.