Mo State loses tough battle at Butler

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind–The NCAA college basketball season tipped off across the country Monday night.

Cuonzo Martin's second stint as Missouri State's head coach started on the road at Butler.

The Bears were picked to finish near the bottom of the Valley preseason poll.

In our Bear Nation report, Mo State is trying to find a starting lineup out of 15 new faces.

Butler built a big lead in the first half, Jahmyl Telfort with the corner three, it's 32-20 Bulldogs.

But Missouri State went on a run, the long three is short, but Jaylen Hampton is there for the board and basket, it's tied at 36.

Butler led by three at the half.

Mo State was strong out of the locker room, the Bears running the floor to Hampton for the scoop shot, it's 40-39 Missouri State.

Then Mozae Downing-Rivers with a long three, and it's 45-42 Bears.

But Butler would heat up from outside, Patrick McCaffrey with the three, Bulldogs back in front 47-45.

Then the inbounds to Telfort who beats the shot clock with the deep three, 68-62 Butler.

He finished with 29 points.

Dez White led Mo State with 21, and Butler beats the Bears in the season opener 72-65.