In an exciting game at the Arizona Tip-Off, Butler secured an 87-77 victory over No. 25 Mississippi State. Jahmyl Telfort led Butler with 24 points, while Pierre Brooks II added 22 points. After a close semifinal win against Northwestern, Butler managed to maintain their lead against Mississippi State, despite a late comeback attempt by the Bulldogs. Riley Kugel and Josh Hubbard both had strong performances for Mississippi State, each scoring 22 points.
Butler’s offense was on fire, shooting 53% from the field and making 12 of 22 three-point attempts in their most significant win of the season. In contrast, Mississippi State struggled, shooting just 7 for 27 from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs also had defensive breakdowns that cost them the game, as they suffered their first loss of the season.
Key moments in the game included timely baskets by Brooks that shifted the momentum back in Butler’s favor after Mississippi State cut the lead to just two points. Additionally, while Mississippi State had success with second-chance points in their previous game, they were limited to just seven in this matchup against Butler.
Looking ahead, Mississippi State will host Pittsburgh, while Butler will face Eastern Illinois. Both teams will aim to bounce back and continue their success in the upcoming games. Be sure to stay updated on the latest college basketball news and rankings throughout the season.
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