Go Time: UConn Must Win Against Cincy Today

I know that it is a bit silly to say that a 14-10, 4-7 team is in a "must win" situation. Barring a 6-1 record in their remaining games (which include bouts against top ten teams Villanova and West Virginia) and a deep run in the Big East tournament, this year's Huskies are not going dancing. So why is today a must win?

First, Coach Calhoun makes his return to the bench today. If getting back a Hall of Fame coach after a three week absence cannot provide a talented team with the fire and focus required to win, then they should just give up now. It isn't like they are playing Kansas here. Cincinnati's record is only 14-9, 5-6. UConn is the better team here.

Second, who's to say that this team can't actually make the type of run they would need to get onto the NCAA bubble? Which of the teams remaining on the Huskies' schedule can't be beaten? Remember, Texas was the top ranked team in the country when UConn knocked them off. A smidge better care of the basketball or a couple extra made free throws, and UConn beats Kentucky. Same for the Duke game. A ref keeps his whistle in his pocket, and UConn has the Syracuse and Cincinnati games.

This is not a bad team. This is not a team devoid of talent. They have been done in by carelessness with the ball, focus on the free throw line, and patience in the half-court. Those are fixable problems. Easy to fix? Probably not, but it is easier than not having any talent to begin with.

The final reason is that this Huskies team needs to simply show some pride. Today is the day. Beat a team that beat you. Get some revenge. Show them who you are. Make yourselves, and your coach, proud.