Latest ESPN Bracketology has UNC on the outside looking in, North Carolina in his latest projections?

After the devastating loss to Duke, where does Joe Lunardi place North Carolina in his latest projections?

The UNC basketball program is facing a challenging long weekend ahead. After a disappointing loss against their rival Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals on Friday, the Tar Heels now rely on the selection committee to determine their NCAA Tournament fate.

Is North Carolina’s overall performance enough to secure a spot in the tournament? Joe Lunardi suggests that as of Saturday morning, the Tar Heels are on the brink but still outside the qualifying teams.

In his latest ESPN Bracketology update, Lunardi tags the UNC basketball team as the “First Team Out,” following their exit from the “Last Four In” group after the defeat to Duke.

A significant concern for the Tar Heels is their poor record in Quad 1 games. Out of 13 matchups classified as Quad 1, North Carolina has only won one, a point raised by those who doubt their tournament qualifications.

Competing against one of the toughest schedules in the nation, particularly in non-conference play, has had a detrimental impact on UNC’s chances.

While the Tar Heels did gain momentum towards the end of the season and started improving, it may have come too late, with their third loss to Duke potentially sealing their fate for the NCAA Tournament.

Although this situation is frustrating, North Carolina must now hope for losses from other bubble teams and that no unexpected “bid stealers” claim an entry into the tournament.