Playing Favorites: Duke is #1 Seed Despite Failing to Earn Conference Title
March 16th, 2015 - 22:13
The sampling isn't extensive but Duke, runner-up to Virginia before bowing against Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament semifinals, faces an uphill climb in capturing the NCAA championship after the Blue Devils were accorded a #1 seed despite failing to win either the ACC regular-season or conference tournament title. Prospects of a national title are also against Virginia and Notre Dame if you put much stock in the following chronological list detailing what happened in the NCAA tourney to the first five #1 seeds in this non-champion category:
| No. 1 Seed | Year | League Finish | NCAA Playoff Result | Summary of Principal Conference Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1989 | 2nd in Big Ten | lost in national semifinals | regular-season champion Indiana lost in regional semifinals; Big Ten did not conduct postseason tourney |
| Michigan | 1993 | 2nd in Big Ten | lost in national final | regular-season champion Indiana lost in regional final; Big Ten did not conduct postseason tourney |
| Texas | 2003 | 2nd in Big 12 | lost in national semifinals | regular-season champion Kansas lost in national final; Big 12 tourney champion Oklahoma lost in regional final |
| Connecticut | 2009 | T2nd in Big East | lost in national semifinals | regular-season and Big East tourney champion Louisville lost in regional final |
| Pittsburgh | 2009 | T2nd in Big East | lost in regional final | regular-season and Big East tourney champion Louisville lost in regional final |