Is UNC at risk of missing March Madness? It certainly seems that way, as Hubert Davis’ squad falters once again, this time falling to Pitt on the road. The loss raises serious questions about their overall performance, especially with South Carolina dropping three of their last four games. As each loss adds up, the pressure on Hubert Davis intensifies, with national broadcasters increasingly questioning the team’s chances of making it to March Madness.
UNC was feeling positive heading into the matchup, having secured a win over Boston (102-96) at home. However, Tim Donnelly wasn’t so convinced. On his show ‘The Drive’, he stated; “Until we see something drastically different they’re not a tournament team until they prove to us that they have turned the corner, they don’t look like a tournament team to me.”
Given UNC’s recent struggles, particularly in key matchups against conference opponents like Pitt, it’s hard to argue with that assessment. The team has failed to show consistency, with defensive lapses and a lack of offensive flow standing out. The Heels’ 14 turnovers proved costly, giving Pitt 22 points off mistakes, many of which were unforced.
Some passes sailed into the stands, players slipped on the floor, and poor decision-making—bad passes, sloppy dribbling—plagued them throughout. It felt like the Panthers were just too quick to capitalize on these errors. Until these issues are addressed, it’s difficult to see how UNC can make a legitimate case for the tournament.
Oct 10, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
“I’m transfixed, I’m kinda obsessed with the last like three or four possessions they played against Boston College” Tim mentioned; “where they went for most of the game a confusingly bad defensive team, Boston College is not an offensive squad although they did knock down some tough shots give them credit, but UNC was not making them work enough, it was making them too easy for Boston College to score.”
UNC allowed Boston College to shoot an effective field goal percentage of 65.2%, their worst defensive showing since last season’s 70.8% in a loss to Syracuse. The lack of defensive pressure throughout the game, especially in crucial moments, made it far too easy for Boston College to find rhythm and score.
UNC will now face arch-rivals, Duke who are on the top of the game this season, with freshman Cooper Flagg leading the way, here’s what to expect from the historic showdown.
Duke vs. UNC’s Storied Basketball Legacy
Whenever Duke and North Carolina meet on the court, the atmosphere is electric, and another chapter of history is going to be written in college basketball as both teams go head-to-head this week. The rivalry between these two schools is one of the most iconic and enduring in the sport. Since 1977, they’ve dominated the ACC regular-season titles, claiming 77% of them, along with a significant share of national championships.
While both teams have rich histories, Duke’s recent momentum seems to be outshining UNC’s past victories in the rivalry. With an unbeaten streak since November, Duke is coming into the matchup as the clear favorite. UNC is working to bounce back and strengthen its chances for the NCAA Tournament after a tough start to the season. Meanwhile, Duke continues to be a strong national contender, with a recent Elite 8 appearance and an impressive winning streak keeping them in the mix for a deep tournament run.
In the last 12 matchups, UNC holds a narrow 7-5 advantage, but each game feels like a new chapter in their epic rivalry. Overall, the Tar Heels lead the series 145-117, but no matter the record, there’s always something bigger at stake when these two teams face off.
Whether UNC can rise to the occasion and prove its worth or whether Duke will continue its dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the rivalry will add yet another unforgettable chapter to its storied legacy.
The pressure on Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels is mounting as their struggles continue in the ACC, with March Madness hopes hanging by a thread. If UNC cannot turn things around quickly, their chances of making the tournament look increasingly slim, leaving the team at a crossroads with their season on the line.
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