I think we're splitting hairs either way. Beating South Carolina is just as good as beating the team that beat South Carolina. Beating UK is just as good as beating the team that beat UK.
Either way, whichever team wins the tournament wins the tournament and if it's UT or SC, either one of those two should get the #1 seed UNLESS Louisville AND Stanford wins their tournament in which case they should get it.
UCONN and ND are pretty much a lock for a #1 seed
Stanford gets a #1 seed if they win their tournament
Louisville gets a #1 seed if they win their tournament
UT/SC gets a #1 seed IF they win their tournament AND Louisville OR Stanford doesn't win their tournament
If 3 of these 4 teams Stanford, Louisville, UT, and SC all lose in the tournament, it could open up a backdoor for West Virginia, Maryland, Duke, or Baylor if any of them win their tournament.
Winning your tournament is pretty key, though - especially in a close race. It proves you are playing well NOW, which is a KEY criteria for seeding and getting in the tournament. It also gives you some more credible wins for the resume.