Does Syracuse Need to Win?

Sure seems that way. Even though Syracuse finished 5th in the Big East, a strong deep conference, week RPI and week SOS (strength of schedule) means that if they lose to UConn in the first round of the Big East tournament they could be left out. Seems strange but SU has a very weak non-conference schedule. They haven't played any tournament teams (assuming Drexel gets left out) because Oklahoma State and Wichita State both fell off.
Bottom line, I think SU should be in either way but if they don't beat UConn it's very possible they will be NIT bound.