No. 18/19 Michigan State used a strong defensive performance to top Butler 74-54 Friday night at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich.
 
The contest was played as part of the annual Gavitt Games between the BIG EAST and Big Ten Conferences.
 
After scoring 80 or more in each of its three season-opening wins, Butler shot only 29 percent from the field Friday night.
 
With the win, the Spartans level their record at 2-2. Butler falls to 3-1.
 
COACH THAD MATTA: "Playing like they did tonight, Michigan State can beat anybody in the country. They've got all the pieces. I thought we competed well. We had opportunities, but we really struggled to put the ball in the basket. They had a lot to do with that. This is an experience we needed and we'll grow from it. We have another big test coming up Thursday."
 
OF NOTE:

• Michigan State shot 48 percent from the field and had 40 points in the paint.
• Tyson Walker led all scorers with 21 points for Michigan State; 16 of those points came in the first half.
• Michigan State's 37-25 halftime lead was the largest of the first half as Butler shot only 7-for-27 in the opening 20 minutes.
• Jahmyl Telfort led Butler with 15 points and six rebounds.
• Pierre Brooks II, returning to Michigan State where he began his collegiate career, had 14 points.
• Michigan State had a 42-32 rebounding advantage.
• The game served as the 26^th meeting between Butler and Michigan State; MSU now holds a 15-11 advantage in the series.
• Butler is now 2-4 in the Gavitt Tip-Off Games. 

 
UP NEXT: The Bulldogs travel to Orlando for the ESPN Events Invitational. Another ranked opponent looms for Butler in No. 10 Florida Atlantic, which made a run to the 2023 NCAA Final Four. The tip is set for Thanksgiving Day at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Butler will also play games in the event on Friday and Sunday.