Butler earns statement win vs. Mississippi State, claims Arizona Tip-Off title

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Butler played its best game of the season, relying on smothering perimeter defense and shooting the lights out from deep, earning an 87-77 win over Mississippi State and claiming the Arizona Tip-Off championship.

It’s Butler first in-season tournament title since the 2019 Las Vegas Invitational.

Jahmyl Telfort led Butler with 24 points. Pierre Brooks II added 22 points and nine rebounds.

Here are three takeaways from the resume-building win.

Jahmyl Telfort, Pierre Brooks II close out Mississippi State

Butler (6-1) led by as many as 11 points in the second half, but Mississippi State, No. 25 in the AP poll and unbeaten prior to Friday night didn’t go down easy. MSU (6-1) cut Butler’s lead to two with 6:22 left in the game. When Butler needed to respond to MSU’s run it turned to its two best players — Pierre Brooks II and Jahmyl Telfort.

The preseason second team All-Big East selections made all the necessary plays to hold off Mississippi State and seal the victory. The duo scored 11 of Butler’s final 17 points, often finding each other for baskets down the stretch.

Telfort is such a steady presence for the Dawgs. He’s never rattled, never out of control and the poise paid off for Butler. Brooks showed why he led Butler in scoring last season. He’s a deadly shooter from deep and has the strength to finish inside. Telfort and Brooks combined for 46 points, shooting an identical 8-for-15 from the field.

In Telfort and Brooks, Butler has two of the best players in the Big East. When they’re both playing well, expect Butler to hang with every team it faces.

3-ball, corner pocket

After a slow start, Butler found its rhythm from deep, unleashing a 3-point barrage on Mississippi State. Five of Butler’s final eight first-half field goals came from behind the arc. Butler shot 7-for-11 from 3 with five Bulldogs hitting a 3-pointer in the first half. Telfort and Kolby King each hit two.

Butler finished 12-for-22 (55%) from 3.

Butler had particular success driving into the paint and dishing to…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/butler-earns-statement-win-vs-052626737.html

Author : Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-11-30 05:26:00

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