Caitlin Clark’s courtside curse? Butler Bulldogs stumble again under Connor McCaffery
The “lucky charm” nickname backfires as Butler extends their losing streak against UConn.
WNBA star Caitlin ClarkAP Photo
After a strong start to the season, the Butler Bulldogs are facing tough times. Following a disappointing 78-74 loss to Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies, the Bulldogs‘ record stands at 7-6, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Despite a valiant second-half effort, the team couldn’t overcome a 16-point halftime deficit.
Butler’s Andre Screen delivered a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Patrick McCaffrey added 17 points and Pierre Brooks contributed 13. However, their efforts weren’t enough to stop the Huskies, led by Alex Karaban’s game-high 21 points and Connor McNeeley’s 17-point, 7-assist performance.
Caitlin Clark has a joyful response when she signs autographs for her youngest fans ever
Caitlin Clark’s presence can’t turn the tide
Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, was in attendance supporting her boyfriend and Butler assistant coach, Connor McCaffery. Previously dubbed the team’s “lucky charm” during their six-game winning streak, Clark’s presence couldn’t inspire a victory this time. Seated quietly with a Butler cap, Clark became a focus for commentators, who made light of her role as a supposed good luck talisman.
The Bulldogs‘ second half showed promise, outscoring UConn 41-36 and even tying the game at 63 with just over four minutes remaining. But critical missed opportunities and turnovers allowed the Huskies to regain control and secure the win.
As the Bulldogs head into a holiday break, McCaffery and the team will have time to regroup and focus on the fundamentals. The slow start to this game, including going five minutes without a field goal, proved costly. For a team aiming to turn things around, consistency and early-game execution will be key.
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The Bulldogs return to action in the new year, looking to break their losing streak and rediscover the form that saw them open the season with a strong 7-1 record. Meanwhile, Clark and McCaffery are expected to spend the holidays together, offering a brief respite before the grind of the basketball season resumes.
Despite the recent struggles, Butler’s second-half effort against a top team like UConn could be the spark they need for a stronger second half of the season.
Angel Reese caught in Trinity and Dennis Rodman family drama
The LSU star’s viral moment with Dennis Rodman stirs emotions in Trinity, who shares her raw feelings about her father.
Angel ReeseAP Photo
Angel Reese, the LSU basketball standout, has unexpectedly found herself tangled in the ongoing family tensions between Dennis Rodman and his daughter, Trinity Rodman. Known for her dominant double-doubles, Reese once shared a high-profile moment with the NBA Hall of Famer, which Trinity recently addressed in an emotional interview.
During a candid conversation on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Trinity Rodman opened up about her strained relationship with her father and how his larger-than-life presence has impacted her. Specifically, she recalled a viral moment from the 2024 WNBA season when Angel Reese donned Dennis Rodman’s iconic Detroit Pistons jersey ahead of a game, sparking widespread attention.
Is Angel Reese avoiding Chicago while living in luxury?
I’m not throwing shade at anybody,” Trinity clarified. “But I remember Angel Reese wore his jersey in one game, and there was a picture of them together. Seeing that as his daughter it’s like, no shade, but damn, I wish I had that kind of connection with him.
The soccer star, who helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to Olympic gold in Paris, expressed how moments like these highlight the emotional gap in her relationship with Dennis.