This game is SO MUCH BIGGER than the potential three points. Defeating unbeaten UMass Lowell on the road on NESN (not NESN+) is a big step to building the UConn brand. Despite our recent climb upward in the HE standings, we are still regarded as a second tier HE program. When we beat the bigs (BC, BU, UMass, NE, PC and Lowell) on TV that is broadcast throughout New England, we establish credibility. Northern New England (and for hockey purposes I include greater Boston) respects only one team south of Massachusetts...............Providence. Quinnipiac...maybe, Yale...maybe, UConn and Sacred Heart.......no. Wins matter, and wins make marketing the brand easier.