D.J. Davis, Connor Turnbull lead Butler to exhibition win over Ohio Northern

The new-look Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball team debuted Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse in an exhibition game against Division III Ohio Northern.

Three Bulldogs reached double-digit scoring with D.J. Davis’ 13 points leading the way to a 78-46 victory. Pierre Brooks II finished with 12 and freshman Finley Bizjack added 10 off the bench.

Here are five takeaways from the Dawgs’ exhibition opener.

D.J. Davis shows off long-range shooting

Davis came to Butler with a reputation as a 3-point marksman after three strong seasons at UC-Irvine. Davis got the start opposite Posh Alexander in the backcourt and quickly showed why his teammates consider him the team’s best shooter. Davis shot 3-for-4 from 3 and 4-for-4 from the free throw line.

The Bulldogs haven’t had many knock-down shooters with limitless range in recent years. Even when he’s not scoring, Davis’ presence makes life easier for his teammates.

“That’s what he does. The young man can really, really shoot the basketball,” Butler coach Thad Matta said. “It’s such a luxury to have. When he lets it go, you’ve got a pretty good feeling that it’s going in.

“Teams are going to have to really lock in on him and that’s going to allow Posh, Landon (Moore) and those guys to get deeper inside the defense.”

Injuries and an overall lack of team size forced Connor Turnbull to spend long stretches of his freshman season at the center position. This offseason, Matta and his staff brought in true centers in Bucknell transfer Andre Screen and freshman Boden Kapke to pair with returning starter Jalen Thomas.

The added beef allowed Turnbull to play on the perimeter offensively, and the 6-10 sophomore showed athleticism that was hidden with him stuck in the post.

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Twice against Ohio Northern, Turnbull caught the ball on the left baseline, pump faked, dribbled past his defender and rose for ferocious slams.

“I’m just trying to be aggressive and just take what the…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2023-10-29 03:11:03

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