Does it matter if UConn doesn’t get No. 1 overall seed in NCAA Tournament?

UConn’s upset loss at Creighton on Tuesday may have been tough for Huskies fans to watch– but ultimately, it was forgivable.

On the road, in a raucous environment, against a Top-15 team that was looking to avenge a lopsided loss at Gampel Pavilion earlier in the season. UConn (24-3) likely wasn’t going to go the rest of the season unbeaten, and if you’re going to lose, that one is easy to explain.

Of course, it wasn’t ideal, especially after the Huskies had just become the unanimous No. 1 team in the country for the first time in program history, and had finally gotten the upper hand in the perception battle with Purdue, which seemed like a default No. 1 for so many analysts (we’re looking at you, Gary Parrish). The Boilermakers also came in ahead of the Huskies in the NCAA’s first Top 16 reveal.

Purdue (23-3) had just lost to Ohio State a few days earlier, meaning UConn might have blown its chance to take over that No. 1 spot in the NCAA’s Top 16, and the lead in the clubhouse for the top overall seed come Selection Sunday.

The Huskies likely won’t be No. 1 in the Top 25 polls next week either, if No. 2 Houston takes care of business at No. 11 Baylor on Saturday. The Cougars (23-3), who are rated as the No. 1 team by KenPom.com, will probably take their place.

There’s a lot of basketball still left to be played, and there’s a better chance than not that UConn, Houston or Purdue will lose again before Selection Sunday.

But bragging rights aside, would it necessarily be a bad thing if the Huskies don’t enter the Big Dance as the No. 1 overall seed?

Over the past 20 years, the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament has gone on to win the title just twice. Just as often, it’s lost to the 16-seed in the first round (though both of those losses have come since 2018).

Here’s a look at the list:

2023 Purdue – Lost in First Round
2022 Gonzaga – Lost in Sweet 16
2021 Gonzaga- Lost in National Title Game
2019 Duke- Lost in Elite Eight
2018 Virginia- Lost in First Round
2017 Villanova- Lost in Second Round
2016 Kansas- Lost in Elite Eight
2015 Kentucky- Lost in National Semifinals
2014 Florida- Lost in National Semifinals
2013 Gonzaga- Lost in Second Round
2012 Kentucky- Won National Championship
2011 Ohio State- Lost in Sweet 16
2010 Kansas- Lost in Second Round
2009 Louisville- Lost in Elite Eight
2008 Memphis- Lost in National Title Game
2007 Florida- Won National Championship
2006 Duke- Lost in Sweet 16
2005 Illinois- Lost in National…