Joe Lunardi: UNC name plays role in NCAA Tournament bid

North Carolina is running away with the lead at halftime against Florida State. Leading 43-25 behind 11-made three-pointers, ESPN’s Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi revealed what the Tar Heels need to do to firmly secure its spot in next month’s NCAA Tournament.

“If it wasn’t for ‘North Carolina’ on the chest, we are looking at a team 1-8 in Quad 1 and a NET of 47, they wouldn’t be this close,” Lunardi said at halftime between UNC and Florida State. “But it’s human nature. There is no other bubble team that was in the national championship game last year.

“So for me, they need two up wins. They need to beat Duke at home [on Saturday] and then they need one on a neutral floor in the ACC Tournament because their best wins have all come at home.”

Lunardi said that if FSU were to mount a comeback and stun the Tar Heels Monday night, Carolina will need to have an additional win in the ACC Tournament if they want to make the NCAA Tournament field.

There’s still a good bit of work to do for Hubert Davis’ squad, Lunardi said. It starts with taking care of business against the Seminoles.

UNC cannot move into NCAA Tournament field with win vs. Florida State

Every game for North Carolina is a must-win at this point of the season. Head coach Hubert Davis is in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament after being the preseason No. 1 ranked team and making the national championship a season ago. Monday night is the next test, traveling on the road to face Florida State.

However, the Tar Heels are not in a situation where they can help themselves on Monday. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi says getting a win over Florida State does not help the resume. However, a loss could be “very damaging” and potentially put a final nail in the coffin.

“A classic ‘can only hurt’ game for the Tar Heels (FIRST FOUR OUT), who can’t play their way into the field at FSU but could suffer a very damaging loss,” Lunardi said.

North Carolina is currently the second team out, falling behind Arizona State. Eyes should be elsewhere across the country as well, with Oklahoma State being ruled the final team in by Lunardi. The Cowboys will follow UNC on ESPN, playing at home against Baylor.

A loss would slide Arizona State up into the tournament and Oklahoma State out. While this does not directly benefit North Carolina, seeing other bubble teams lose does nothing but help their chances come Selection Sunday.