The Butler Bulldogs and the Michigan State Spartans meet in college basketball action from the Breslin Center on Friday evening.
Butler Remains Unbeaten
The Butler Bulldogs come into this one with a 3-0 record after a 81-47 beatdown win over East Tennessee State last time out. Posh Alexander and DJ Davis share the team lead in scoring with 13.7 PPG, with Alexander logging a team-high 4.7 APG and 2.3 SPG while Davis has 2.7 APG. Pierre Brooks has 13.3 PPG with 4 RPG and 2.3 APG and Jahmyl Telfort has 11.3 PPG with 4 RPG to cap off the scoring in double figures for Butler up to this point in the year. Jalen Thomas leads the Bulldogs on the glass with 7.3 RPG and Connor Turnbull has a team-high 3.3 BPG as well on the year. As a team, Butler is averaging 88.7 PPG on 50% shooting from the field, 33.3% from three and 78.1% from the foul line this season.
Michigan State Falls To Duke
The Michigan State Spartans come into this game looking to shake off their loss to Duke by a final score of 74-65 last time out. Tyson Walker leads the Spartans in scoring with 23.7 PPG while Malik Hall has 11.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG as well on the year as the only other double-digit scorer for MSU up to this point in the year. Jaden Akins has 9.3 PPG with a team-high 8.7 RPG to lead the Spartans on the glass while A.J. Hoggard has 5 APG to lead the Spartans in the assist department this season. As a team, Michigan State is averaging 71.7 PPG on 41.2% shooting from the field, 16% from three and 68.8% from the foul line this season.
Chris’ Pick
I’m taking a shot on Butler and the points here. Michigan State’s been a disappointment all year so far and I honestly don’t think this game is any different. Sure, Butler’s played a cupcake schedule to this point, but they have some solid scoring depth and I think they match up well with a Spartans team that’s just looking for answers at this point. Give me Butler and the points.
