NCAA Tournament bubble: Joe Lunardi gives firm stance on Texas, UNC bids ahead of final bracket reveal
Selection Sunday is finally here. One of the most anticipated days of the sports calendar has arrived for college basketball fans across the country. And many teams across the college hoops landscape will be anxiously awaiting to see whether or not they are in the 2025 NCAA Tournament including Texas and UNC. ESPN’s Bracketologist Joe Lunardi has followed the action all season long, as he does every year, and on Sunday evening he shared some final thoughts on the two teams.
North Carolina is currently listed as one of the First Four Out in Lunardi’s final projections. Lunardi doesn’t see them as a serious contender to make the tournament
“Not to be snarky but which of the 12 Quad 1 losses would we like to discuss?,” Lunardi asked. “This is a team that got as many opportunities to impress the committee as any in America. And they have one two-point win on a neutral floor over UCLA to show for it. So, for all the pedigree. For all the Carolina blue, I just can’t go there here as we’re in the closing stretch.”
He feels similarly about the Longhorns. He actually likes Boise State more.
“Sure, seven Quad 1 wins is an enormous number to not make the tournament. But 15 losses overall is also an enormous number to make the tournament. Tom, if I’m gonna be wrong, it’s gonna be Boise State. They’re the best basketball team on the bubble that’s not in the field, in my opinion,” Lunardi explained.
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Even with the SEC schedule, Lunardi doesn’t think that excuses Texas’ number of losses especially with their out of conference scheduling.
“It is,” Lunardi admitted concerning the reasoning behind Texas high loss total. “But it also gave them enormous opportunities and in their league they went 6-12. And out of the league they played a poor non-conference schedule. That’s why their resume averages are so poor. I would be surprised if Texas made it, to be honest.”
The March Madness Selection Show will begin at 6:00 PM EST on CBS. It will also be streaming on Paramount+.