Forcing UConn to Portland WHY??????

[npignatjr]

When has UCONN ever been screwed by seeding? Just last year yall got to play Louisville in front of a home crowd as a 2 seed. Same thing happened when they were 2 seeds in 2004 and 2006 when UCONN had homecourt through regionals and #1 seeds were burdened with playing in a road atmosphere. Almost every year the east regional site is within a 2 hour drive of Storrs. I get that people dont want to go to Portland and it may not work out in UCONN's favor this year but historically predetermined sites have helped the Huskies far more than it has hurt them.

The correct use of the SCurve puts the lowest 1 seed against the top 2 seed. It was correct last year and if done correctly this year would put them in Fort Wayne.

 

[Urshurak]

I'm not sure Krispy is right to be honest. He was sure wrong about a lot last year. I guess we will find out.

Okay, nobody shoot, but what if UConn loses tonight? Still a 2 seed?

 

[npignatjr]

So, after some research, here is my understanding. First, the NCAA pays for all travel for teams in the tourney. Th antiquated theory is that the cost will cause less teams to participate if they had to pay for it themselves. So since they are paying, they try to minimize costs.
Second, if you can drive there (within 350 miles) the cost is less to the NCAA (bus versus plane) so we are going to put you where you can drive. So Louisville and NC State if still both two seeds go to Ft Wayne and Greenville respectively.
Third, the rule against two teams from the same conference being the 1 and 2 seeds in the same region comes into play. Hence, Stanford has to travel. Line this all up and we go to Portland unless there is a change in Louisville as a 2 seed. Charlie Creme( "ABC Charlie"- Anybody But Connecticut Charlie) doesn't think anything changed yesterday. Look at it this way, we would have to beat Oregon anyway to win it all. I also think, because I am a cynic when it comes to the NCAA, that they would like a UCONN v. Oregon regional final for TV ratings.

The rule is for early rounds not regional finals. The should follow the SCurve. Allergen bad lose s matter UConn had how many? Watched a lot of games this year the good teams are only a few, except for maybe Maryland only one in the Big 10.

 

[Aluminny69]

I think that Maryland and Oregon among others would dispute that.

Please correct me if I'm wrong. But UConn is the ONLY team to play all three top teams! ( Baylor, South Carolina, Oregon.) Now, they may be the only team that has to face all three in order to earn a National Championship.

Seems fair to me. NOT!

 

[npignatjr]

This is from the NCAA
Each of the first four teams selected from a conference shall be placed in different regions if they are seeded on the first four lines.

Teams from the same conference shall not meet prior to the regional final if they played each other three or more times during the regular season and conference tournament.

Teams from the same conference shall not meet prior to the regional semifinals if they played each other twice during the regular season and conference tournament.

Teams from the same conference may play each other as early as the second round if they played no more than once during the regular season and conference tournament.

Any principle can be relaxed if two or more teams from the same conference are among the last four at-large seeded teams participating in the First Four.

 

[Jletoile]

This is from the NCAA
Each of the first four teams selected from a conference shall be placed in different regions if they are seeded on the first four lines.

Teams from the same conference shall not meet prior to the regional final if they played each other three or more times during the regular season and conference tournament.

Teams from the same conference shall not meet prior to the regional semifinals if they played each other twice during the regular season and conference tournament.

Teams from the same conference may play each other as early as the second round if they played no more than once during the regular season and conference tournament.

Any principle can be relaxed if two or more teams from the same conference are among the last four at-large seeded teams participating in the First Four.

They try but often don’t strictly follow those guidelines.

 

[jonson]

I will bet you that Oregon would rather face MD then UConn right now. IMO UConn is playing better then MD LVille and Stanford right now. Better offense better defense and has had 4,5,6 scorers in double figures. If you want to bring up how tuff teams are fine but how many times has MD LVille and Stanford had 5-6 players in double figures in the past 2 weeks?

I don't think Graves really cares what team Oregon plays, although I, personally, would very much prefer to have UCONN in another bracket. But I also think the "5-6 players in double figures" is a red herring. Limiting things to the Pac12 only, do you really think that would be the case if UCONN had faced Stanford's schedule for the final weeks of the season and postseason (Oregon x2, Oregon State x2, the Arizona schools on the road, UCLA)? All of those schools are imo better--and, with one possible exception, far better--than anything the AAC has to offer.

 

[Tonyc]

I don't think Graves really cares what team Oregon plays, although I, personally, would very much prefer to have UCONN in another bracket. But I also think the "5-6 players in double figures" is a red herring. Limiting things to the Pac12 only, do you really think that would be the case if UCONN had faced Stanford's schedule for the final weeks of the season and postseason (Oregon x2, Oregon State x2, the Arizona schools on the road, UCLA)? All of those schools are imo better--and, with one possible exception, far better--than anything the AAC has to offer.

The only teams better then UConn right now is Oregon and SC and thats right now. UConn continues to improve and I think UConn would give Oregon and SC a really good game. JMO

 

[Wbbfan1]

Agree, Arkansas would be a tough out. Looking at Creighton's schedule who Arkansas plays, how are they making the tournament. Guess its the DePaul win. 2019-20 Women's Basketball Schedule - Creighton University Athletics

Beware of Arkansas
Very tough team, tough matchup
Playing very well a ce moment...
Beat Miss. St, UTenn, Kentucky

Not an easy out, projected to be our second game...
Watch out!

 

[bballnut90]

The correct use of the SCurve puts the lowest 1 seed against the top 2 seed. It was correct last year and if done correctly this year would put them in Fort Wayne.

It would've put UCONN in Portland with Mississippi State and shipped Oregon or Stanford out to Albany.

 

[ABCDFE]

Well, I prefer to not worry about where we are going but to play well against any opponent we play and leave it on the court. This team is playing better than a month ago and we will not be embarrassed again against anyone.

Mike Anthony: Geno Auriemma feeling fine; UConn women feeling like a tougher, smarter version of themselves

One forced turnover or shot clock violation after another, the UConn women’s basketball team quickly choked the life out of South Florida on Sunday afternoon, and all of Geno Auriemma’s…

www.courant.com

But the Huskies have gained traction now, his team has turned a corner at the most critical time, and Auriemma actually had a little twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. Who knows what the coming weeks hold, but anyone watching has to feel good about the way UConn will actually represent itself.

Yes. You have to be thrilled with Anna and Aubreys contributions of late. Even the free throw shooting had gotten much better. It will be interesting to see how they play against the top three again, but if we are in Portland region it would be the worst case scenario because I think Oregon is the next team right now. Doesn’t mean in a one game showdown they can’t be beat but they are too proficient on offense.

 

[BostonCanuck]

I agree with the OP, but I have come to the realization that it doesn’t really matter where UConn ends up. No one wants The Huskies in their bracket. UConn will beat whoever they face to get back to a 13th straight FF.

I agree with this. Let's face it, right now UConn is clearly the forth of fifth best team in the country based on eye test if not hard stats. And the Ducks are no lower than number two. Given all the hype of Oregon and Sabrina as this year's anointed champions, I believe the committee will ultimately come to the realization that it would be deeply unfair to the Ducks and "bad for the game" to have to face the Huskies in Portland, given that the outcome would likely be no better than a coin toss.

So in the end I think they'll decide to move Uconn away from Portland more based on the negative impact it could have on the Ducks, versus say any desire to keep UConn out of another Final Four. We'll know in a week.

 

[ochoopsfan]

The only teams better then UConn right now is Oregon and SC and thats right now. UConn continues to improve and I think UConn would give Oregon and SC a really good game. JMO

South Dakota is better than UConn right now. Last loss was 12/22 at South Carolina by 13 points. UConn lost to SC by 18 points.

 

[Waquoit]

The men won a couple of their titles playing out of the West, even as a 1 seed. Is the OP saying it's too tough and not fair for women?

 

[visitingcock]

South Dakota is better than UConn right now. Last loss was 12/22 at South Carolina by 13 points. UConn lost to SC by 18 points.

Not sure if serious.

You must not understand the 0-8 motivation SCar had against UCONN - or lack the simple understanding that, well, . . . it was UCONN.

 

[uconnever]

Beware of Arkansas
Very tough team, tough matchup
Playing very well a ce moment...
Beat Miss. St, UTenn, Kentucky

Not an easy out, projected to be our second game...
Watch out!

I have watched them albeit twice this year and they did look pretty good. I feel like a team that doesn’t or hasn’t played them much has a tough time beating them. A team like Gonzaga has a better chance because they can shoot really well and they play disciplined sound fundamental basketball and doesn’t beat themselves.

 

[dogged1]

I agree with the OP, but I have come to the realization that it doesn’t really matter where UConn ends up. No one wants The Huskies in their bracket. UConn will beat whoever they face to get back to a 13th straight FF.

Honest question: You speaking as a Uconn fan or as a WCBB analyst? If it's the latter then I am one happy camper

 

[oldude]

Honest question: You speaking as a Uconn fan or as a WCBB analyst? If it's the latter then I am one happy camper

You should realize by now that UConn fans know far more than WCBB analysts....

 

[Aluminny69]

The only teams better then UConn right now is Oregon and SC and thats right now. UConn continues to improve and I think UConn would give Oregon and SC a really good game. JMO

There is really no proof of that, since UConn has not beaten ANY team in the top twenty five, other than DePaul, who is fading fast.

But hey, I definitely think UConn should play in Maryland's bracket. That would definitely blow Brenda Freese's mind.

 

[Tonyc]

There is really no proof of that, since UConn has not beaten ANY team in the top twenty five, other than DePaul, who is fading fast.

But hey, I definitely think UConn should play in Maryland's bracket. That would definitely blow Brenda Freese's mind.

Gotta agree with your statement however right now UConn is playing terrific. I feel when they play their A game nobody can beat them.....unless its a shot at the buzzer. This is a different team then it was back in the beginning of February. We are playing UConn BB and hitting on 4-6 cylinders We will be tuff to beat.

 

[Tonyc]

South Dakota is better than UConn right now. Last loss was 12/22 at South Carolina by 13 points. UConn lost to SC by 18 points.

Thats correct and that was then. UConn blew out SC a few years ago too but that was then. Right now UConn is a tuff out for anybody barring injuries or a complete collaspe. In any event Im excited to see UConn playing UConn ball and look forward to them facing one of the top 4 teams.

 

[Plebe]

Its the 350 Mile Rule. Louisville and NC State if they get #2 Seeds, they go to Ft Wayne and Greenville. That leaves Stanford and UConn for Dallas or Portland. There is an exception that if there are 5 teams from the same conference hosting then two teams from the same conference are in the same region. What I don't understand is why Stanford can't be sent to Portland. However that's what I've heard experts say. If that's accurate, then the only place for UConn is Portland and Dallas for Stanford. Now if Louisville is not a #2 Seed, then UConn would most likely be sent to Fort Wayne. The same would happen to UConn if they were a #3 seed.

Stanford can't be sent to Portland because the top 4 teams from a conference must be placed in different regions if they're on the top 4 seed lines.

That means Oregon, Stanford, UCLA and Arizona will each be in a separate region. Obviously, Oregon State and Arizona State will have to be placed in a region with another Pac-12 team.

 

[bballnut90]

I agree with this. Let's face it, right now UConn is clearly the forth of fifth best team in the country based on eye test if not hard stats. And the Ducks are no lower than number two. Given all the hype of Oregon and Sabrina as this year's anointed champions, I believe the committee will ultimately come to the realization that it would be deeply unfair to the Ducks and "bad for the game" to have to face the Huskies in Portland, given that the outcome would likely be no better than a coin toss.

So in the end I think they'll decide to move Uconn away from Portland more based on the negative impact it could have on the Ducks, versus say any desire to keep UConn out of another Final Four. We'll know in a week.

That's a nice thought but I dont think there's much merit in switching things around to avoid a UCONN/Oregon NCAA game. It's not a heavy weight battle everyone is dying to see. Neither is #1 and UCONN isnt even in consideration for a 1 seed with Maryland winning. When they did play, Oregon beat UCONN by 18 on the road earlier this year. Theyll be a heavy heavy favorite to win a game in Portland should they meet in the Elite 8. I'm not sure anyone but massive UCONN homers think it's a coin flip game. If UCONN beats Oregon in Portland, it'll be one of the only times I can remember where UCONN as an underdog pulled off a massive upset.

 

[bballnut90]

Thats correct and that was then. UConn blew out SC a few years ago too but that was then. Right now UConn is a tuff out for anybody barring injuries or a complete collaspe. In any event Im excited to see UConn playing UConn ball and look forward to them facing one of the top 4 teams.

2 years ago is a lot different than 1 month ago. UCONN is cruising through the AAC but South Carolina, Maryland and Oregon are all red hot right now too.

 

[Majic Hands]

I understand "why" our team is not getting to Indiana. Now I'm hoping for our team to be the 2 where ever Baylor is. My second wish would be to go the South Carolina bracket. My nightmare is being in the Oregon Ducks bracket. Because. . . When I fill out my brackets I'll have the Ducks as 2020 women's basketball national champions. I fill out my bracket's because of who I think will win not who I want to win.

 

[shiverz45]

I will bet you that Oregon would rather face MD then UConn right now. IMO UConn is playing better then MD LVille and Stanford right now. Better offense better defense and has had 4,5,6 scorers in double figures. If you want to bring up how tuff teams are fine but how many times has MD LVille and Stanford had 5-6 players in double figures in the past 2 weeks?

I would love for UConn to get sent to Greenville. We owe you'll for years of abuse.

 

[Tonyc]

2 years ago is a lot different than 1 month ago. UCONN is cruising through the AAC but South Carolina, Maryland and Oregon are all red hot right now too.

In sports one day can make a huge difference. In golf a pro shoots 63 and comes back the next day with 72. In basketball month to month teams are different. Right now IMO UConn is top 3 and if they continue to get better they could win it all. Ive played and watched alot of BB, this UConn team right now is playing at a NC level. Not saying they cant revert back to January but if they continue to improve like they are now they are a very difficult out. JMO Next year UConn should be back on top and with the verbals so far the next 3 recruiting classes will make UConn almost invicible.

 

[Alydar]

When has UCONN ever been screwed by seeding? Just last year yall got to play Louisville in front of a home crowd as a 2 seed. Same thing happened when they were 2 seeds in 2004 and 2006 when UCONN had homecourt through regionals and #1 seeds were burdened with playing in a road atmosphere. Almost every year the east regional site is within a 2 hour drive of Storrs. I get that people dont want to go to Portland and it may not work out in UCONN's favor this year but historically predetermined sites have helped the Huskies far more than it has hurt them.

2008. UConn was the overall 1 seed. There was a close battle between Rutgers and another school for the last 1 seed. The other school got it. Rutgers as the overall No 5 seed should have played the weakest 1 seed but instead the committee had them play in UConn's region. They claimed it was a geographical decision but they had no problem flying in teams from across the country. It just seems like geography is used when it suits the committee and ignored when it dosn't.
And it's revealing that you have to go back 15 years to find examples. Lots of teams back then hosted regionals. I remember that a Final Four was played in TBA. A little Tenn bias? UConn never got that privilege.

 

[ReadR00ster]

I feel like it's not necessarily a bad thing like in 2017. I felt it hurt Uconn in the final 4 to not leave the state for so long. And it helped SC to go out to Stockton where they could get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

 

[bballnut90]

It's hard to say if they're the same team or not. No one in the AAC remotely resembles the caliber of opponent of a top 10 team, let alone a ranked team at this point. Makurat is likely the biggest difference from a month ago til now, but can she bring the same firepower against good teams? We don't know. Williams is still a bit off and on, ONO hasn't proven she can score against a quality big, Walker is playing great but she has been great all season aside from games against ranked foes, etc. I think UCONN is the most dangerous 2 seed largely due to their roster talent and historical precedent, but based on quality of basketball played it's hard to say IMO.