michigan state butler basketball

MSU basketball smothers Butler for convincing Gavitt Games win

Michigan State looked like the team we expected in a convincing victory over Butler on Friday

Michigan State basketball got back on track in a convincing victory over Butler, 74-54, in a Gavitt Games matchup on Friday.

The Spartans used a smothering defensive performance to keep Butler’s offense at bay for the much-needed victory. The Bulldogs had been averaging nearly 89 points per game through the first three games this year.

With the win, Michigan State improves to 2-2 overall on the year.

Michigan State got off to a much better start on Friday than earlier this week, never trailing in the first half. The Spartans took advantage of poor shooting from the Bulldogs — 26 percent from the field — and strong play from Tyson Walker — 16 first half points — to build a 37-25 lead at the break.

Michigan State opened the second half a little bit sluggish but their lead never dipped below three possessions throughout the frame en route to a blowout win.

The Spartans were led in scoring by Walker who finished with 21 points. A.J. Hoggard and Malik Hall also reach double digits in points with 14 and 12 points.

Michigan State has a quick turnaround and will return to the court on Sunday in a home non-conference battle against Alcorn State. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

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MSU Basketball vs. Butler: Stream, broadcast info, prediction for Friday

Check out all of the key game details for this matchup between the Spartans and Bulldogs

Michigan State desperately needs a win on Friday night.

The Spartans are off to a rough start this season, with losses in two of their first three games. The most recent defeat was at the hands of Duke on Tuesday night in the Champions Classic. Michigan State is 1-2 overall thus far.

Michigan State will now return home to host Butler, who enters this matchup with a perfect 3-0 mark on the year. The Bulldogs have yet to be tested with each of their games being blowout wins over subpar mid-major competition.

Can Michigan State right the ship and pick up a much-needed victory over the Bulldogs? Check out my prediction and all of the key game details for this matchup between the Spartans and Bulldogs below:

MSU Basketball vs. Butler: LSJ’s Graham Couch provides his determining factors, prediction

Check out LSJ columnist Graham Couch’s prediction for this matchup between Michigan State and Butler

Michigan State basketball’s season has not gotten off to the start many had hoped for, and now find themselves in a spot where they desperately need a win.

The Spartans will host Butler on Friday night in a Gavitt Games matchup from the Breslin Center. Michigan State enters this matchup with a 1-2 record after dropping their Champions Classic matchup earlier this week against Duke.

Butler has experienced more success so far this year with a perfect 3-0 mark thus far. The Bulldogs, however, haven’t been tested yet in facing three mid-major foes that all rank No. 285 or worse in KenPom rankings.

Every game, Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal provides his breakdown of the matchup with key determining factors and a prediction. So how does he feel about this matchup between the Spartans and Bulldogs?

Check out Couch’s prediction for this matchup between Michigan State and Butler by clicking on the tweet below:

Here's a look at Michigan State basketball's home date against Butler on Friday night – including matchup analysis, how to watch and listen, the betting line and my prediction. https://t.co/KMq4kIGWzF

— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) November 17, 2023

MSU basketball opens as favorite over Butler

Michigan State basketball will look to get back on track in a non-conference matchup with Butler on Friday night.

Michigan State basketball will look to get back on track in a non-conference matchup with Butler on Friday night — and the oddsmakers believe they will.

The Spartans have opened as an 8.5-point favorite over Butler in Friday’s Gavitt Games matchup. The betting line is from FanDuel.

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Michigan State enters this matchup with a disappointing 1-2 record three games into the season. Butler is off to a much better start and is sitting at 3-0 — although the Bulldogs have yet to face a team ranked higher than No. 275 in KenPom rankings.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on Fox Sports 1.

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Michigan State basketball picks up impressive road win over Butler in Gavitt Games

Michigan State improves to 2-1 on the season with blowout road victory over Butler

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Michigan State picked up their first road win of the season on Wednesday night, with an impressive victory over Butler, 73-52, from Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game was part of the annual Gavitt Games that pits the Big Ten and Big East.

The Spartans never trailed after the opening minutes and led by double-digits for most of the game. With the win, Michigan State improves to 2-1 on the season.

Michigan State led for nearly the entire first half, building an early double-digit lead. Butler didn’t fade, however, and was able to narrow the Spartans’ lead to just eight points for a 31-23 halftime score.

Michigan State opened the second half similar to the opening frame, building a 17-point lead by the 12-minute mark of the half. Butler never stopped fighting but the Spartans’ margin never fell back into single digits down the stretch.

The Spartans were led offensively by Gabe Brown and Max Christie, who finished with 19 and 18 points on the night. Tyson Walker and A.J. Hoggard helped facilitate all night with nine combined assists.

Defensively, Michigan State was led by Marcus Bingham with six blocks and two steals. He also scored 10 points and snagged six boards against Butler.

While Michigan State did handle business against Butler, there is still room for improvement. The Spartans were again sloppy at times and ended the game with 20 turnovers.

Michigan State returns to the court on Saturday against Eastern Michigan. That home game will begin at 5 p.m. EST.

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