MSU routs U.S. Under-18 Team, 5-2

Michigan State jumped out to a 4-0 lead after 20 minutes and held on for a 5-2 exhibition win Tuesday night over the U.S. Under-18 Team at Munn Ice Arena.

Dan Sturges (left) and Peder Skinner each had a goal and an assist for the Spartans while Chris Lawrence piled on three assists.

"It is tough to play an exhibition game against a highly-skilled team like them after a very emotional Michigan game," MSU head coach Rick Comley said. "I thought we played great in the first period, so-so in the second, and solid in the third. Overall, I thought we played well."

Jeff Lerg made 25 saves for the Spartans and captain Drew Miller (power-play), Bryan Lerg (power-play) and Chris Mueller also scored in the win.

Chris Summers and Erik Johnson scored for Team USA, who got a 30-save performance from goaltender Joe Palmer.

"Michigan State is very talented," USA head coach John Hynes said. "They played a full game and obviously they gave us all that we could handle and more. They worked hard tonight and you can see why they are a top-team team."

The No. 8 Spartans travel to No. 2 Cornell this weekend.