UConn men’s basketball Bracketology update

After losing a close one to the no. 2 seed Creighton Bluejays in the Big East tournament semis, the UConn Huskies will now turn their full attention to the NCAA tournament.

While winning the Big East Tournament in their first year back in the conference would have been an amazing accomplishment, a bigger calling awaits. It’s safe to say UConn will hear its name called on Selection Sunday, earning the program’s first NCAA Tournament bid in five years.

Before the tournament bracket drops here’s one last look at where bracketology experts have the Huskies seeded:

ESPN Bracketology - Joe Lunardi (as of 3/13/21)

Current Projection: No. 8 seed

Matchup Prediction: vs. No. 9 seed Rutgers

CBS Bracket Predictions - Jerry Palm (As of 3/13/21)

Current Projection: No. 6 seed

Matchup Prediction: vs. No. 11 seed Maryland

USA Today Bracketology - Shelby Mast (as of 3/13/21)

Current Projection: No. 8 seed

Matchup Prediction: vs. No. 9 seed San Diego State

NCAA.com - Andy Katz (as of 3/12/21)

Current Projection: No. 7 seed

Matchup Prediction: vs. No. 10 seed Maryland

TeamRankings

Current Projection: No. 9 seed

Projected Result: 53% chance to make Round of 32; 20% chance of making the Sweet 16

These predictions are an improvement from where UConn was two weeks ago. Still, the Huskies have a strong argument to be seeded higher than their rankings, which are already quite good in KenPom and other rating systems. Of course, more wins would have pushed them higher but losing to a good Creighton team by three isn’t hurting them too much, especially when another win over Georgetown in the final would not have added much either.

The most important headline to monitor moving forward for UConn will be the health of James Bouknight. He didn’t appear to be at full strength in the loss, as it was reported he was dealing with cramps yet again. Bouknight only played 20 minutes in the quarterfinal win over DePaul but sat out nearly the whole second half.

If truly is just cramps that have been hampering Bouk, then the Huskies should have nothing to worry about. Having an elite player like him at full strength with a solid all-around supporting cast usually translates to success in March, but nothing is a certainty of course.