Butler Basketball Struggles Amid Injuries, Losing Streak

Bulldogs rely on 'next-man-up' mentality as they fall short of NCAA tournament expectations

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Butler basketball has faced a challenging season, dealing with injuries and a six-game losing streak that have derailed their NCAA tournament hopes. The team has had to adapt a 'next-man-up' mentality as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Why it matters

Butler has traditionally been a strong basketball program, making the NCAA tournament 10 times since 2007. This season's struggles are a significant departure from their recent success and raise questions about the team's ability to bounce back and return to the tournament in future seasons.

The details

After losing starting point guard Jalen Jackson after just six games, Butler has had to rely on a rotating cast of players to fill the void. The Bulldogs' injuries have piled up, forcing them to run the same plays repeatedly in an effort to compensate for their depleted roster.

  • Butler lost starting point guard Jalen Jackson after just six games.
  • The Bulldogs are currently in the midst of a six-game losing streak.

The players

Jalen Jackson

Butler's starting point guard who was lost for the season after just six games.

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The takeaway

Butler's struggles this season highlight the challenges of maintaining a consistent level of success in college basketball, even for traditionally strong programs. The Bulldogs will need to regroup and focus on developing their younger players in order to return to the NCAA tournament in future seasons.