Saying you want a National Title instead of the streak is the PC thing to say. You are supposed to want to win a title. The thing though is that the streak will probably be remembered more than a Nattty. Everyone expected them to win the NC so it really would have meant little. To have a streak that long requires far more than winning a National Championship. To win a Natty you basically have to put together two weeks of really good basketball. ( the first two games should be gimmies ). To have a streak of 111 games over multiple season requires far more. Hey look how many different teams have won a Natty and compare that to the ones that have a streak coming even close to the last two Uconn accomplished. None!
With a good team you can win a Natty with a bit of luck. You need more than just a good team and luck to get a streak of 111 games.
The 111 game streak was more difficult than a single championship. I agree. But that wasn't the original question.
I'm not sure everyone expected them to win the NC, but it certainly would not have meant little.
Remember we're talking about the 111 game streak; if we had a lost a game prior to the NCAAs, the streak would have been anywhere from 74 to 107. UConn also already owns the then leading 90 game streak prior.
So, the question really is:
A. 90-game streak, and 74-107 game streak and 12 overall NCs (with 5 straight NCs and the potential for more)
vs.
B. 90-game streak, 111-game streak (currently 0); 11 overall NCs
B is reality, but I would prefer A.