UConn to Bridgeport ?

[veryolddog]

After Mondays convincing win over Villanova, I am beginning to agree with you that UConn may have earned a number one seed. in light of the upsets that have recently occurred. However, UConn will not get that result. A lot of factors will be considered but not that UConn has a healthy team and has won it's last five games convincingly. I do hope that Villanoa, Marquette, Creighton and DePaul are given good consideration and that some of these teams will be allowed into the tournement. I also hope that these other Big East teams will provide a fine showing and go at least two rounds or more against the "premier" conference opponents.

 

[oldude]

If UConn is in Bridgeport my wife and I plan to go with my brother and his wife. Yesterday, I checked to see what ticket availability looked like on SeatGeek for minimum 4-seat packages for both sessions. There were dozens of 4-seat packages available for around $100/ticket.

Fast forward one day. UConn wallops Nova. Charlie Creme now projects UConn in the Bridgeport Region. I check SeatGeek again. This time there were just two 4-seat packages available for $200/ticket.

What’s a diehard UConn WBB fan to do? I purchased 4 tickets on SeatGeek for considerably more than I wanted to pay, and now I’ll wait nervously for the Selection Committee to release their bracket next Sunday.

 

[tchalla1]

Not liking Kentucky at Bridgeport.

Not taking anything away from Kentucky--that was a great conference tournament run and a superb win over SC, but I've watched Kentucky all season because a friend of the family is on their staff, and they are not a threat to UConn. They pretty much rely on one-on-one situations for Howard and Edwards--very good offensive players--but there is a lot of disjointed play and their defense often is out of position and is undisciplined which can be exploited. It's all about match ups and Kentucky's major weaknesses are all UConn's major strengths

 

[Bald Husky]

By moving UConn up to Bridgeport my fear came true with one of the other movements. Iowa is now the 3 seed in Bridgeport. Besides the #1 seeds, this is the team I definitely did not want to see in our bracket. They are hot, and Clark is a maniac that can win a game by herself.

 

[ABCDFE]

Not liking Kentucky at Bridgeport.

No problems here with that. Once we beat Kentucky by 20. SC and the rest of field will have been warned.

 

[msf22b]

Tony
I never would have thunk it
But if both you and Charlie agree
How can it not be true?

 

[GoChips20]

The SEC has some teams doing extremely well including South Carolina and Kentucky. While I would predict we beat any SEC team we play, have to give them the respect they have earned. If you think SC's play has tailed off, have you seen them play at all (or at least in any game other than KY)? SC is one of the most consistent teams out there.

Yes, I have. I’m a SC fan.

The fourth quarter meltdown against Kentucky was the second in two days. Prior to that, SC had faced some issues closing out games (@arkansas in January, @Kentucky in February) that didn’t seem to be there earlier in the season.

The sky certainly isn’t falling at 29-2 with those losses coming by three points combined. They are still the #1 overall seed in all likelihood. I just meant that I thought SC’s offensive play earlier in the year seemed stronger than it has of late.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Not liking Kentucky at Bridgeport.

You mean Storrs.....that makes a difference, doesn't it? Iowa in Bridgeport along with NC State if the Committee goes by Creme's Bracketology. Not so easy. We'll find out just how good the defense really is.

It does set up the possibility of four of the five someone wanted to beat for the NC 12 this season: Iowa, NC State and two of Louisville, SC and Stanford.

 

[Tonyc]

Tony,

I do not believe any of the Power 5 teams, with 6-9 bids, have teams with losing conference records.

I do not think the BE is that good.
I might have taken Villanova over Creighton, but DePaul and Marquette did not impress me as NCAA teams.

Loosing or 8/8 records. The SEC does for sure.

 

[Tonyc]

The SEC has some teams doing extremely well including South Carolina and Kentucky. While I would predict we beat any SEC team we play, have to give them the respect they have earned. If you think SC's play has tailed off, have you seen them play at all (or at least in any game other than KY)? SC is one of the most consistent teams out there.

Yes I have the SEC channel

 

[Audi1954]

Not taking anything away from Kentucky--that was a great conference tournament run and a superb win over SC, but I've watched Kentucky all season because a friend of the family is on their staff, and they are not a threat to UConn. They pretty much rely on one-on-one situations for Howard and Edwards--very good offensive players--but there is a lot of disjointed play and their defense often is out of position and is undisciplined which can be exploited. It's all about match ups and Kentucky's major weaknesses are all UConn's major strengths

Agree with what you are saying. Hope you are right! I’ve watched many of their games this year too. It just appears that Howard has finally decided to not wait until the end of the game to play up to her potential. She has looked lazy at times, deferring to her teammates, but then it becomes Rhyne Time, as the announcers say, and she would try and take over the game. She also has some very good players around her. Edwards is impressive. I’m sure their confidence level has raised immensely with the conference win.

 

[Audi1954]

You mean Storrs.....that makes a difference, doesn't it? Iowa in Bridgeport along with NC State if the Committee goes by Creme's Bracketology. Not so easy. We'll find out just how good the defense really is.

It does set up the possibility of four of the five someone wanted to beat for the NC 12 this season: Iowa, NC State and two of Louisville, SC and Stanford.

Yes Storrs, got a bit ahead of myself.

 

[Audi1954]

No problems here with that. Once we beat Kentucky by 20. SC and the rest of field will have been warned.

Sounds good to me!

 

[Audi1954]

You mean Storrs.....that makes a difference, doesn't it? Iowa in Bridgeport along with NC State if the Committee goes by Creme's Bracketology. Not so easy. We'll find out just how good the defense really is.

It does set up the possibility of four of the five someone wanted to beat for the NC 12 this season: Iowa, NC State and two of Louisville, SC and Stanford.

Yes, you are correct, being in Storrs should give the team a boost. They will still need their A game, in both defense and offense. If the committee is in sync with Creme‘s bracket, I think UConn has the toughest road to the National Championship. I have faith but it does appear that Stamford is being set up for a much easier road.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

My take: UConn team chemistry is better today than ever, however UConn performance against really good teams has not been proven against the elite teams they will face in the Big Dance. When Paige was dominate UConn stumbled against SC and after the injury they loss to Oregon, Louisville and GT but that team lacked depth and chemistry, today’s team has depth and chemistry but Paige is not back to dominate Paige yet. That is why I believe UConn needs Paige to be NC. SC is an elite team and UConn will need the old Paige to win the NC.

“but that team lacked depth and chemistry”………Lol, you think not having Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers for any of those losses, and Dorka Juhasz and Caroline Ducharme (head injury) for some of them, only caused a lack of team depth and chemistry??? Also I think you’re failing to realize how much the UConn bigs (Edwards, Ono, Ducharme and Juhasz) have improved their scoring in the paint since those losses.

 

[ochoopsfan]

Loosing or 8/8 records. The SEC does for sure.

Yes, the SEC has 2 teams with losing conference records, Ark and Mo. Kentucky was 8-8, but won the SEC tournie.
Both, Ark and Mo, have Net Rankings better than any team from the BE, that didnt make it.
Ark 30
Mo 49, plus a win over #1 SC
DeP 52
Marq 69
Vil 72

I still dont see why more than 2 BE teams should make it.

 

[cferraro04]

Not liking Kentucky at Bridgeport.

I just read the Kentucky message board, and found the following, "Not liking UConn at Bridgeport"... Of course, I didn't go to the Kentucky message board but I don't need to because that is exactly what they are thinking over there. Oh, and after seeing UConn play in the BE tournament...I think they are peaking at the right time and it is UConn who will be the team to beat. I'm just sayin'

 

[jchusky]

By moving UConn up to Bridgeport my fear came true with one of the other movements. Iowa is now the 3 seed in Bridgeport. Besides the #1 seeds, this is the team I definitely did not want to see in our bracket. They are hot, and Clark is a maniac that can win a game by herself.

yep, totaly agree with you. I said it people will be mad they get sent outside of Bridgeport, but if it means getting an easier team like Louisville #1 so what? If they go to the final 4 isn't that more important than "being a home game," ? Iowa definitely didn't forget last season what happened in the Sweet 16, and another shot at Uconn they might just have that extra edge to win this time.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

By moving UConn up to Bridgeport my fear came true with one of the other movements. Iowa is now the 3 seed in Bridgeport. Besides the #1 seeds, this is the team I definitely did not want to see in our bracket. They are hot, and Clark is a maniac that can win a game by herself.

Iowa barely beat Indiana, and Clark couldn’t throw it in the ocean. I watched the game yesterday, Clark had 18 points on like a zillion attempts.

 

[ballerfan]

Iowa barely beat Indiana, and Clark couldn’t throw it in the ocean. I watched the game yesterday, Clark had 18 points on like a zillion attempts.

You’re right. Clark had a bad game. They won because of Czinano, who had 30. But I wouldn’t judge Clark on one game, just as I wouldn’t judge Paige for going 3 for 14 last year against Tennessee. Clark has been incredible this season, in scoring, assists, and directing the offense. If UConn doesn’t take Iowa seriously, just like they didn’t take Arizona seriously, they could lose. Just my opinion, of course.

 

[oldude]

I haven’t paid much attention to Autumn Johnson’s bracketology. But I must say I really like her latest iteration. Like Creme, Johnson has NC St & UConn #1 & #2 in the Bridgeport Region. But she has UConn starting off with Holy Cross in Storrs, followed by a matchup with the winner of Arkansas vs UCF.

The likely matchup in the Sweet 16 Game for the Huskies would be vs #3 Michigan. Assuming NC St handles #4 TN, then the Huskies battle the Wolfpack for a spot in the FF.

 

[KingKong139]

Then make UCONN #1 seed in Bridgeport.

In all seriousness I don't see a logical case for Baylor to be ranked ahead of UCONN as this point. SC, Stanford, NCSt and UCONN are your 4 #1 seeds.

UConn has 3 wins over top 25 opponents. We are not a number 1, it’s clear. Now don’t confuse that with me saying we are not a top 4 team right now because I believe we’re are. We simply just do not have a top 4 body of work.

 

[CocoHusky]

UConn has 3 wins over top 25 opponents. We are not a number 1, it’s clear. Now don’t confuse that with me saying we are not a top 4 team right now because I believe we’re are. We simply just do not have a top 4 body of work.

Not confused in the least, but perhaps you are. The selection committee is allowed to and does consider injuries as part of the seeding. Secondly you may want to check the latest NET ratings which is yet another consideration used by the Committee & UCONN is tied with Louisville for 4th. I'll keep it simple: UCONN lost to Louisville by 5 Points by playing without Paige, Nika & Azzi. Now that all three are healthy I think UCONN can take Louisville and I can see how the selection committee might as well.

 

[HopJim]

Not confused in the least, but perhaps you are. The selection committee is allowed to and does consider injuries as part of the seeding. Secondly you may want to check the latest NET ratings which is yet another consideration used by the Committee & UCONN is tied with Louisville for 4th. I'll keep it simple: UCONN lost to Louisville by 5 Points by playing without Paige, Nika & Azzi. Now that all three are healthy I think UCONN can take Louisville and I can see how the selection committee might as well.

This will be one of the most interesting seedings I remember. While the Committee can reduce the effect of losses due to injuries, Covid, and other factors, it would be a major event if they totally ignored a loss (i.e. to Louisville). If UConn ever beat a team and they were seeded ahead of us for any reason there would be an online riot. I believe UConn is playing like a top 4 team and am anxiously awaiting the Selection Show.

 

[southie]

If the committee is going to take player injuries, illness, and COVID protocol absences from games into consideration for one team, then they have to do it for all teams. I just don't see how they can manage that as it was so widespread this season. While some player absences were more publicized than others, they are all created equal, IMO.

 

[CocoHusky]

If the committee is going to take player injuries, illness, and COVID protocol absences from games into consideration for one team, then they have to do it for all teams. I just don't see how they can manage that as it was so widespread this season. While some player absences were more publicized than others, they are all created equal, IMO.

They might have been created equal but the players are not equal and neither are the important of the games missed. Do you really believe that Paige Bueckers (POY) missing a game against Louisville is the same as Shay Holle missing a game against Jackson State?

 

[oldude]

If the committee is going to take player injuries, illness, and COVID protocol absences from games into consideration for one team, then they have to do it for all teams. I just don't see how they can manage that as it was so widespread this season. While some player absences were more publicized than others, they are all created equal, IMO.

Yes I agree in part. But no other team suffered the number of key player absences and injuries that UConn had to overcome this season. If you just look at Villanova as a benchmark for UConn’s season, the impact of injuries gives the committee 2 striking data points.

One month ago, without Paige, Liv & Caroline, using just 6 players, UConn dropped a 72-69 game in Hartford. Two days ago, with Paige, Liv & Caroline, using 9 players against the same Villanova roster, UConn blows out the Wildcats 70-40 at the Conference Tournament.

 

[southie]

They might have been created equal but the players are not equal and neither are the important of the games missed. Do you really believe that Paige Bueckers (POY) missing a game against Louisville is the same as Shay Holle missing a game against Jackson State?

So, you think the committee should take the time to evaluate every teams' losses, who the opponent was, which players were absent, and then speculate that the outcome of the game would have been different? What if player got injured during the game? Should the loss not count either?

The point I was trying to make (perhaps not very well) was that where does the committee draw the line when taking player injuries/illnesses into consideration? Only look at the teams jockeying for Top 16 seeds? What about those teams on the bubble? Should Duke get more consideration because Celeste Taylor missed several games? Should those losses not count and Duke be given the invitation of an at-large team who did not have the same type of player injuries?

 

[southie]

Yes I agree in part. But no other team suffered the number of key player absences and injuries that UConn had to overcome this season. If you just look at Villanova as a benchmark for UConn’s season, the impact of injuries gives the committee 2 striking data points.

One month ago, without Paige, Liv & Caroline, using just 6 players, UConn dropped a 72-69 game in Hartford. Two days ago, with Paige, Liv & Caroline, using 9 players against the same Villanova roster, UConn blows out the Wildcats 70-40 at the Conference Tournament.

Is there an actual published metric confirming that? Or, is that just an opinion? Who decides "key" absences versus "non-key"?

What about UCLA and Duke? I'm guessing UCLA was the victim of more season-ending injuries, and there players weren't likely to return. But, I have recollection that Duke faced many player injuries throughout the season. Tennessee had Rae Burrell and Jordan Horston out several games. Same for Indiana, perhaps?

Again, my point is simply how/where does the committee draw the line when taking player absences into consideration?

 

[Fairfield Fan]

UCONN is what the Alabama football is to the NCAA and the committee….we will be in Bridgeport because we get the respect for being UCONN just as Alabama does.

Charlie Creme last night said that UConn would be put in Bridgeport. Not that his opinion is golden or anything...