Horrors after horrors! While Caitlin Clark became WNBA’s darling before, during, and after her debut season, life couldn’t be more different for her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery. Serving as an assistant coach for the Butler Bulldogs in his first year, McCaffery’s team has been struggling. On Wednesday, Butler faced their eighth consecutive defeat, falling to Providence 84-65. 

This marks their fifth straight loss in Big East play, leaving fans frustrated and McCaffery’s coaching tenure off to a shaky start. The Bulldogs are now on the brink of a program record that no team wants to touch. With eight losses in a row, Butler is nearing their all-time worst losing streak—12 straight games—set back in the 1980-81 season. 

Their last win came on December 3 against Eastern Illinois, and since then, it’s been downhill. Adding insult to injury, Butler (7-9, 0-5) joins DePaul as the only Big East team yet to secure a conference win this season.

The worst part is things don’t look promising for the Bulldogs in the immediate future. Their next games include tough matchups, such as Creighton on Saturday, where they’re likely to be underdogs. Realistically, the Jan. 15 game against Seton Hall or the Jan. 25 game against DePaul might be their best shot at breaking the streak. However, even being favored doesn’t guarantee a win, considering Butler’s current form.

Their loyal fanbase has reached its breaking point. The frustration has become so intense that the team had to turn off comments on their social media posts. Fans are furious at both the team’s performance and Thad Matta’s coaching staff, even demanding to give up already and go on a rebuild for next season.

The only silver lining is Jahmyl Telfort, Butler’s star forward. He played 28 minutes against Providence despite suffering a back injury late in the first half. He scored 17 points, tied with Pierre Brooks II as the team’s leading scorer, but his absence in key moments highlighted just how much Butler relies on him. 

The Bulldogs struggled to score after Telfort left the court with 3:30 left in the first half. The team had chances to cut into Providence’s lead, but turnovers and missed opportunities derailed their efforts. Moreover, lately, their ‘lucky charm’ seems not to bring much-needed ‘luck.’

Caitlin Clark: The “lucky charm” that isn’t working

Initially, Caitlin Clark’s presence was seen as a lucky charm for Butler. She’s been a regular courtside supporter, cheering for her boyfriend McCaffery and the Bulldogs. On Saturday, she was spotted at Carnesecca Arena for Butler’s game against St. John’s, donning a Butler cap.

FOX College Hoops even tweeted a video of her with the caption, “ROTY is in the building!” Despite her unwavering support, CC’s presence hasn’t been enough to turn the tide. The Bulldogs lost that game 70-62, despite notable efforts from Pierre Brooks II (18 points) and Fran McCaffery (13 points, 11 rebounds). 

Clark’s appearances have apparently become a bittersweet symbol. While the W star cheers passionately, the team’s struggles persist. Butler’s losing streak has to end, but when is the question? Fans are clinging onto the Jan. 15 and Jan. 25 matchup. Until then, the Bulldogs must focus on addressing their weaknesses before this rough patch becomes a historic one.