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Message: [QUOTE="UcMiami, post: 2038666, member: 199"] I think losing a particular game is never 'good', but I do think there are times when a coach and team 'need' a loss, or at least a really good scare*. Sports seasons are full of players and teams that get complacent and start taking shortcuts because they think they have this 'thing' down pat, and a loss is a good wake up call. And yes, an historic win streak can become an issue not because it by itself changes anything, but because it becomes the focus of all the outside attention - players don't get asked about how they played, they get asked about how the streak feels and how long they can keep it going. The UConn team certainly felt the loss to Stanford two and a half years ago was a 'good' thing when looking back at the season - it got their attention and focused their efforts in practice. The loss to Villanova in 2003 in game 71 was another one that was 'good' - without it they probably don't win the NC that year, because it again regained their focus for the NCAAs. * The problem with a 'good scare' is a lot of teams can justify it as - 'See, we played our worst game of the year, and they still can't beat us. We have this thing so covered! No need to change a thing.' [/QUOTE]