The narrative on the other side: San Diego State, which finished a pedestrian 11-7 in the Mountain West and lost its last five on the road against contenders, is not as good.

That label has become Underdog, capital U.

"I hope UConn thinks the same way and they underestimate us," Trammell said. "Those losses on the road, we got better through them all. It's all about what happens now. You just need one good game, then you're on to the next round.

"We're built for now."

If Trammell and Butler play well, they could be built for later as well.

"When me and D.T. are playing well, hitting shots, getting guys the ball, it's definitely tough to beat us," Butler said. "We all believe we can get it done. UConn's a tall task and very talented, but everybody's prepared.

"It's the belief we can beat them. That's where it starts."

Belief has to translate into buckets, starting in the backcourt. UConn averages 81.6 points per game, 21st best in the country. The Aztecs sit at No. 143 (74.7).

The Huskies also defend teams until they're dizzy, allowing 63.9 points, 12th best in Division I. The Aztecs linger close behind (66.2, No. 27), meaning the battle for a spot int he Elite Eight will be fought on dual fronts.

"To beat UConn, you're going to have to score," said Andy Katz, an NCAA correspondent and broadcaster formerly with ESPN. "That's going to be an issue for San Diego State. I think this UConn team seemed to be connected earlier and has stayed that way. It has not had a dip."

Trammell is growing more connected by the day, still. A re-aggravated injury to his left shoulder leading into the season slowed the senior.

He had transitioned from being a big-time scorer at Seattle University to a more refined role a season ago at San Diego State. The injury last fall shuffled him to the bench.

"It was tough, for sure," he said. "Especially being a starting guard going into the national championship. We were winning, so that's what got me through it. It was all just adapting and keeping my head high."

If Trammell and Butler find their way, San Diego State just might too.

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