North Carolina missed out on one more essential alternative to choose up a Quadrant 1 win on Saturday because the Tar Heels fell at dwelling to arch-rival Duke 62-57. With the loss, the second of the season to the Blue Devils, final yr’s nationwide runner-up is now 1-9 towards Quad 1 opposition on the marketing campaign and staring down the very actual likelihood they will not get the possibility to make one other magical run in March.
The one group to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Event with only one win in at the very least 10 Quad 1 probabilities was Michigan State in 2004, and the Spartans have been additionally 1-9 towards Quad 1 opponents. Michigan State’s schedule that yr ranked within the prime 25, whereas UNC’s energy of schedule was 51st coming into the regular-season finale on Saturday.
There’s additionally a slight likelihood that the lone Quad 1 win residing on the Tar Heels’ resume is not going to be one come Sunday. Virginia entered Saturday ranked thirtieth in NET, which is the suitable on the dividing line of Quad 1 and Quad 2 group. The Cavaliers beat Louisville by 15, which might trigger them to fall as a result of the Cardinals have been taking part in so poorly this season.
ACC Event is essential for North Carolina
With hope dwindling much more after the Duke loss, North Carolina wants at the very least yet another Quad 1 win to have an opportunity for an at-large bid. The excellent news is that the convention event is performed on a impartial court docket, which signifies that the usual for opponents to qualify as Quad 1 is prime 50 of the NET. As of Saturday morning, Miami and NC State would be a part of Virginia and Duke as Quad 1 opponents on a impartial court docket, so the Tar Heels could have extra alternatives forward. The primary one is not going to come earlier than the ACC quarterfinal, although, so some early work must be carried out.
It isn’t too late for coach Hubert Davis’ squad simply but. However the solar is beginning to set on North Carolina’s at-large hopes.