Butler debuts potential lineup of the future in easy win over Division II opponent

Butler started quickly and controlled the game throughout in a 96-70 win over Division II Saginaw Valley State.

Five Bulldogs reached double figures with Finley Bizjack leading the way with 17 points. Pierre Brooks II scored 15 points, D.J. Davis 12, Jahmyl Telfort 11 and Landon Moore 10.

Butler finishes the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 9-2 record.

Here's three topics from Friday's game.

Butler handles business ahead of Big East play

Friday's game served as Butler's final tune up before Big East play begins Tuesday against Georgetown. The Dawgs were heavily favored over SVSU, but Buffalo showed that rankings mean nothing once the game beings.

Butler's close call against Buffalo may have served as a wakeup call, because the Cardinals offered the Bulldogs little resistance. Butler started the game on a 13-2 run and led by as many as 20 in the first half. Butler's largest lead of the second half was 31 points.

Augusto Cassia makes his debut

Playing with a comfortable lead made for the perfect time for freshman Augusto Cassia to make his season debut. Cassia missed Butler's first 10 games with a leg injury. He was cleared to play ahead of Butler's game against Texas Tech but had to wait three more games before making his debut.

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Cassia showed flashed of potential, but also a need to harness his raw athleticism. He finished with three points on 1-for-6 shooting.

Debuting during Big East play never seemed like a likely scenario for the native Brazilian. Cassia was able to get his feet wet against a lesser opponent, but it remains to be seen what his role will be moving forward.

Butler bench gets extended run

Butler coach Thad Matta gave his bench players extended run against SVSU. The Dawgs second unit played the majority of the second half and finished with 50 points.

Connor Turnbull continued to show flashes of two-way potential. He finished with seven points and three blocks. He added the highlight of the game, slamming home a pass off the glass from Pierre Brooks.

Midway through the second half, Butler played a lineup of Landon Moore, Bizjack, Cassia, Turnbull and Kapke. It's the first time all three of Butler's freshmen played together, and the first time Butler has had a lineup of all underclassmen. This switchable and athletic lineup could be glimpse into Butler's future.

Moore is the team's point guard of the future. Bizjack and Turnbull could be double-digit scorers as their careers progress. Kapke is a versatile inside-outside threat, and Cassia is a high-energy role player with a ceiling to become more.