Is Sunday's UConn-Tennessee game a must-win for the Huskies?

[JoePgh]

A win secures a #2 seed?
Secures?
Doubtful.

I think the assumption behind Hayven's post is that UConn will run the table with the Big East games (regular season and tournament) that remain on its shedule after tomorrow. If UConn wins tomorrow and is a four-loss team at the time of the NCAA selections, then I think UConn will be a #2 seed, or at worst a high #3 seed which would presumably put UConn in Bridgeport. That would be the most favorable outcome that UConn can expect at this point.

If UConn loses to TN, on the other hand, then a #3 seed (anywhere) would be the best that could be hoped for. A #4 seed would be nasty, since it would probably mean facing a #1 seed in the Sweet 16.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

VERY IMPRESSIVE coach and individual. Very well spoken. Tennessee is going to be a force to reckon with from here on out.

I think she has done well in steadying the program, but it's not "back" just yet. She fired folks to get better recruits and the results are still out. They have one in '22, the daughter of a TN alum. Next year will be a struggle for TN with the departures. I was just thinking the other day if there was ever a time when a coach fired their spouse. Anyone?

 

[Beemer]

To answer the original question: yes it is. It is always must win vs. Tennessee.

Next question, please.

 

[Shenandoah]

I don't think that it's as much of a "Must win", as it is a "Must Play".

 

[Plebe]

In terms of NCAA regional placement, UConn's chances of landing in Bridgeport might actually be better as a high 3 seed than as a low 2 — or, for that matter, as a high 4 vs. a low 3. Not that there's any way to know exactly where a win or loss in this one game would put them exactly.

 

[Stymie]

In terms of NCAA regional placement, UConn's chances of landing in Bridgeport might actually be better as a high 3 seed than as a low 2 — or, for that matter, as a high 4 vs. a low 3. Not that there's any way to know exactly where a win or loss in this one game would put them exactly.

Uh, Uh, Uh,...
Whaaaa?

 

[Plebe]

Uh, Uh, Uh,...
Whaaaa?

Teams are placed in the bracket in the order of the S-curve. So, out of the 4 teams on each respective seed line, the 1st team is more likely to be placed near home than the 4th team, notwithstanding any necessary deviations from the S-curve due to conference affiliation, bracket balance, etc.

If you look at the committee's reveal of Jan. 27, UConn was #11 overall, i.e. the third 3 seed, and they were bumped to a more distant regional because another 3 seed was ahead of them on the S-curve. Which wouldn't have happened if UConn were, say, #9 (the first 3 seed).

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Teams are placed in the bracket in the order of the S-curve. So, out of the 4 teams on each respective seed line, the 1st team is more likely to be placed near home than the 4th team, notwithstanding any necessary deviations from the S-curve due to conference affiliation, bracket balance, etc.

If you look at the committee's reveal of Jan. 27, UConn was #11 overall, i.e. the third 3 seed, and they were bumped to a more distant regional because another 3 seed was ahead of them on the S-curve. Which wouldn't have happened if UConn were, say, #9 (the first 3 seed).

Agree completely.

For background information for the S-curve ("S" stands for snake; last year was in one location, so geography was NOT a factor - "grain of salt" addition needed):

The NCAA bracket S-curve, explained

One of the keys to understanding the 2021 NCAA tournament bracket is the "S-curve." Here's how it works — and what it means.

www.ncaa.com

Principle document (pdf) [not sure if this document helps much....]:

https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/basketball/d1/women/D1WBB_BracketPrinciplesandProcedures.pdf

This WILL BE an excellent WIN vs. UT, whether one point or 20+ points. Running the table through the BE Champioship should push UCONN to #8 or #9 overall prior to Placement into the Championship Brackets [bottom 2 or Top #3].

Go Huskies!!!

 

[cohenzone]

The only “must” for UConn is getting Paige back and her being at a high level.
This team has no shot of going far without her, and almost anything is possible with her (at 90+ %).

Depends what you mean by far. Regional finals is possible without her. FF maybe not so much.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

What an amazing/great win for the team. Very impressive. I guess at this point it does not matter if it is a "MUST" win game or not. Then again, as a fan of the team... I never would have vocally questioned their ability to win a game... Looks like a 2 seed in Bridgeport is not that hard of thing to imagine now...

 

[MooseJaw]

You could see it in the faces of our team after the game. It was a much-needed win and they knew it. The game was most obviously a must win for the Husky fans on the BY. Almost a hour after the game and the posters are still giddy and besides ourselves. The players are going to be just fine, there are still likely ups and downs coming while winning out from here. I was more worried about my friends on this forum. Like me most of you wear your Husky emotions on your sleeves, we can now relax, cancel our shrink appointments breathe easier for a least a few days.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

Teams are placed in the bracket in the order of the S-curve. So, out of the 4 teams on each respective seed line, the 1st team is more likely to be placed near home than the 4th team, notwithstanding any necessary deviations from the S-curve due to conference affiliation, bracket balance, etc.

If you look at the committee's reveal of Jan. 27, UConn was #11 overall, i.e. the third 3 seed, and they were bumped to a more distant regional because another 3 seed was ahead of them on the S-curve. Which wouldn't have happened if UConn were, say, #9 (the first 3 seed).

That is the on the men's side... the womens side focuses on Geography and money making. But thanks for trying to explain to us how you think it works.

 

[01Neaggrad02]

Still waiting to find out for the Basketball gurus on this site if todays game was really a "MUST WIN" game. Did we ever come to a conclusion on that?