Mississippi State Bulldogs vs Butler Bulldogs Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

No. 25 Mississippi State faces Butler, looks to lock up latest preseason tourney

Mississippi State, ranked No. 25, is set to face Butler in the championship game of the Arizona Tip-Off tournament on Friday night in Tempe, Arizona. Both teams have impressed en route to the title game, but contrasting styles and key performances make this matchup highly anticipated.

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Mississippi State’s Dominance Under Chris Jans

Mississippi State has established itself as a force in preseason tournaments under head coach Chris Jans, aiming for its third title in as many years. The Bulldogs previously won the Fort Myers Tip-Off in 2022 and the Hall of Fame Tip-Off in 2023. Now at 6-0 for the third consecutive season, Mississippi State has proven its consistency and hunger for success.

In their semifinal game, the Bulldogs overwhelmed UNLV with an 80-58 victory. Despite an early 8-2 deficit, they surged ahead with a commanding 18-point halftime lead and extended it to as much as 28 points in the second half.

The Bulldogs’ key to success was their sheer dominance on the boards. They out-rebounded the Runnin’ Rebels 46-29, including a 19-4 edge on offensive rebounds. This led to a staggering 30-3 advantage in second-chance points, showcasing their physicality and tenacity.

“We’ve been emphasizing rebounding not just for this game but all season,” Jans said. “We struggled in our first three games, but we’ve been improving ever since. Tonight, we controlled the game that way, and it was great to see.”

KeShawn Murphy Leads the Way

One of the standout performers for Mississippi State was KeShawn Murphy, who delivered a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in just 22 minutes. The 6-foot-10 forward also contributed four assists, a steal, and a block. Murphy’s resurgence is particularly noteworthy given his struggles with a foot injury last season and limited playing time.

“He’s working, and it’s paying off,” Jans praised. “Mentally and physically, he’s in a great place, and it’s awesome to coach him right now.”

Mississippi State also benefited from contributions across the board, with all 14 players who dressed scoring at least once. Guard Josh Hubbard chipped in 11 points, including three 3-pointers, along with three assists.

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Butler’s Grit and Resilience

While Mississippi State cruised to the final, Butler’s journey was much more dramatic. The Bulldogs narrowly defeated Northwestern 71-69 in a nail-biter that came down to the final seconds. Northwestern had two chances to tie the game, but neither Brooks Barnhizer’s drive nor Nick Martinelli’s tip-in attempt found the basket.

Butler’s offense was spearheaded by Jahmyl Telfort, who scored 23 points, dished out five assists, and grabbed four rebounds. Andre Screen, a 7-foot-1 transfer from Bucknell, added 15 points and nine rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint.

Despite their victory, Butler had to overcome significant challenges, including 15 turnovers compared to just five by Northwestern. However, they outshot the Wildcats 46.8% to 36.1% and connected on 6 of 16 3-point attempts, which proved critical to their success.

Assistant coach Alex Barton lightheartedly acknowledged the close call on social media, writing on X: “Thankful for the kind rim here at Mullett Arena! Happy Thanksgiving. Go Dawgs!”

A Clash of Styles: Mississippi State vs. Butler

The championship game sets up an intriguing clash of styles. Mississippi State’s physical dominance and rebounding prowess will be tested against Butler’s balanced offensive attack and knack for clutch performances.

Mississippi State’s ability to control the glass and generate second-chance points could expose Butler’s vulnerability to physical play, particularly if the latter struggles to clean up turnovers. On the other hand, Butler’s ability to hit key shots and stay composed in tight situations could keep them competitive against a more athletic opponent.

Key Players to Watch

• Mississippi State: KeShawn Murphy will be a focal point, with his rebounding and scoring efficiency making him a game-changer. Watch for Josh Hubbard’s shooting and playmaking to complement the Bulldogs’ inside presence.
• Butler: Jahmyl Telfort’s scoring versatility will be crucial, while Andre Screen’s size in the paint could challenge Mississippi State’s dominance on the boards.

What’s at Stake

A win in the Arizona Tip-Off final would solidify Mississippi State’s standing as a top-25 team and a preseason tournament powerhouse. For Butler, an upset victory would boost their confidence and bolster their resume early in the season.

Both teams have momentum, but only one can claim the crown. Will Mississippi State continue its streak of preseason success, or will Butler’s grit prevail?

Final Thoughts

This championship game is more than just a battle for a trophy—it’s a test of two teams’ contrasting strengths and the culmination of their early-season efforts. Basketball fans can expect a thrilling contest as both teams leave it all on the court in Tempe.