Spartans Offense Struggles in Loss at Wisconsin

Michigan State fell to the frontrunning Badgers, 57-42


Drew Naymick fights for a loose ball with Wisconsin's Brian Butch. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

Feb. 28, 2008

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Brian Butch hit a career-high four 3-pointers as No. 10 Wisconsin used a late run to shake loose from No. 19 Michigan State for a 57-42 victory Thursday night.

It was the fifth straight victory for Wisconsin (24-4, 14-2 Big Ten). Michigan State (22-6, 10-5) has lost three of its last five, including three straight road games.

The big man's big shots came at just the right time for the Badgers. Butch's 3-pointer from the left wing put Wisconsin (24-4, 14-2 Big Ten) ahead 45-34 with just under six minutes left, and Butch hit another long-range shot at the 4:15 mark to extend the Badgers' lead to 14, capping an 11-2 run.

Butch finished with 16 points and seven rebounds. The Badgers' defense did the rest.

Wisconsin frustrated Michigan State's Drew Neitzel all night, holding him to a single 3-pointer on 1-for-10 shooting. Goran Suton scored 14 and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead Michigan State (22-6, 10-5).

 

 

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