One Shining Moment

[1SE]

So it's come to this. One game that will determine how we evaluate the season.

Win. We're in - almost certainly out of the first-four and maybe even in the coveted 7-10 line. Exceeds expectations. Guarantees a "B" with higher ceiling.

Lose. First-four or NIT. B- or C+ season. Just making the grade, again.

I know every game is the most important of the season. But this game IS the most important one for determining how we'll remember the 17-18 campaign (unless, of course, we win our next 9 games!)

We've got this. Go Marquette!

[brewcity77]

Except had we won any one other game all season long, none of this would be in question. So while it feels more important, this game is no bigger that had we beat Georgia or Providence at home, or beat "lesser" DePaul or St John's teams on the road.

I'll still point to VCU. If we lose that game and have "expected" results of a Cal win and Michigan loss, we go from 19-12/56 RPI/26 SOS to 18-13/79 RPI/37 SOS. We go from the NCAA bubble to the NIT bubble.

[1SE]

Except had we won any one other game all season long, none of this would be in question. So while it feels more important, this game is no bigger that had we beat Georgia or Providence at home, or beat "lesser" DePaul or St John's teams on the road.

I'll still point to VCU. If we lose that game and have "expected" results of a Cal win and Michigan loss, we go from 19-12/56 RPI/26 SOS to 18-13/79 RPI/37 SOS. We go from the NCAA bubble to the NIT bubble.

Sure it is more important - we still had plenty of opportunities from then on. We have no more opportunities after this game. It's make or break.

Your argument is like saying the National Championship game is no different from a first round NCAA game. Lose and either one ends your season. Win and one makes you the national champion and the other gets you to the round of 32. Sure you have to win either to win the national championship (so they're both "equally important" to that goal), but I'm willing to bet you think the win that gives you the national championship is the more important one. 

[wadesworld]

It's the most important game of the season because it's the next one on the schedule.

Give 'em hell, Wojo.

[skianth16]

This one is big. Hard to say otherwise.

[brewcity77]

Sure it is more important - we still had plenty of opportunities from then on. We have no more opportunities after this game. It's make or break.

Your argument is like saying the National Championship game is no different from a first round NCAA game. Lose and either one ends your season. Win and one makes you the national champion and the other gets you to the round of 32. Sure you have to win either to win the national championship (so they're both "equally important" to that goal), but I'm willing to bet you think the win that gives you the national championship is the more important one.

I understand it from a "end your season" argument but as I don't think tonight ends our season and we're talking about games that get you into the tournament, I'd still argue that VCU one.

Once the tournament starts, I'm all in on the wades mindset.

[GooooMarquette]

This one is big. Hard to say otherwise.

I've heard that in so many different contexts....