It was UNC vs Duke in the ACC tournament semifinals. The most dominant team in the country – the Blue Devils – was playing without their superstar, Cooper Flagg. But even that stroke of good fortune wasn’t enough to get it done for UNC, and now their position looks precarious getting in to March Madness. Beating Duke would have made a huge difference, but as things stand, it looks like they probably won’t make it.
Recent bracketology projections from ESPN’s Joe Lunardi have UNC as the first team out. Developments in other conference tournaments, including in the Mountain West, have made UNC’s position even more uncertain. Interestingly, commentator Dick Vitale’s ‘eye test’ makes him feel like the Tar Heels could have what it takes to be included in March Madness.
However, he also notes that their abysmal Quad 1 record of 1-12 is UNC’s biggest issue. “I love North Carolina, but their record (1-12) in Quad 1 games says it all, baby!” Vitale said in a tweet. “They had to win more of those games.” Vitale’s insight shows us how much UNC needs to win the marquee matchups, something the program just hasn’t been able to do. With that being said, UNC certainly has an uphill battle trying to get into the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Latest by @ESPNLunardi the guru of Bracketology has @UNC_Basketball out due to what is happening in the MT West Conf. https://t.co/9JuPNr4mDo
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) March 15, 2025
This is a developing story…
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