After starting the season as the nation’s No. 1 team, UNC basketball is in serious danger of missing the NCAA Tournament.
Who would have thought that after making the national title game a year ago, bringing back all but one starter, and beginning the season as the No. 1 team in the country that North Carolina basketball would be in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament in mid-February?
Well, that goes to show just how crazy college hoops can be.
Less than a year ago, North Carolina was making an unthinkable run to the national title game and now they’re squarely on the bubble with just four games left in the regular season.
No one thought that this would be a worry for Hubert Davis and Co. after how last season finished and the pieces that were returning, but with a 0-9 record against Quad 1 teams and a 16-11 overall record, the Tar Heels are running out of time to put together some wins.
And after letting a lead melt away at NC State over the weekend, the Tar Heels have now lost 5-of-6 games.
Fortunately for the Tar Heels, the remaining schedule is winnable. They can pick up a couple of Quad 1 wins and potentially win out, making a push for the NCAA Tournament.
Here’s the remaining schedule for UNC basketball:
- at Notre Dame (Feb. 22)
- vs. No. 6 Virginia (Feb. 25)
- at Florida State (Feb. 27)
- vs. Duke (March 4)
The two road games are against two of the worst teams in the ACC with a combined 18-37 overall record and 8-25 mark in conference play. Winnable.
The home games are tough, but they’re chances to finally pick up Quad 1 wins. Duke and Virginia are both beatable teams.
As it stands right now, North Carolina’s best non-conference win was against Ohio State (currently has a losing record) or Michigan (likely an NIT team). The best win in conference play has probably been NC State followed by Clemson and Wake Forest. None of those teams are currently ranked.
There is a glimmer of hope if the Tar Heels finish strong, however.
According to Team Rankings, the Tar Heels have a 98 percent chance to make the NCAA Tournament with the most likely seed being No. 10 with No. 11 a close second, and a nine-seed being third most likely.
North Carolina is currently No. 48 in the NET rankings and, according to Team Rankings, the Tar Heels are No. 32 in strength of schedule rankings.
Does UNC basketball have a Hail Mary left in the tank? It better hope so.
