NCAA Basketball: Arizona, Baylor, and BYU rise in latest top 25 power rankings
By Joey Loose
7. North Carolina (23-6)
There’s been a lot to like about North Carolina this season, though things are clearly far from perfect in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels had a rough stretch in early February after a 9-0 start to league play in the ACC but have been looking more like a national contender here in recent weeks, especially fresh off that double-digit win at Virginia.
They continued their winning ways on Monday, hanging on for a 75-71 home win over Miami. All of the action came from RJ Davis who had a career day with 42 points to lead the Tar Heels. Saturday wasn’t much easier, as North Carolina was in an 8-point halftime hole at home to NC State before fighting back for a 79-70 victory. Harrison Ingram had 22 points and 6 rebounds while Elliot Cadeau added 15 points and 7 assists.
The Tar Heels haven’t exactly looked great recently but have now run off four straight wins, asserting themselves in the ACC yet again. It’s not been pretty but they’ve done enough. We’re not sure where exactly they’ll land on Selection Sunday, though they’ll certainly be leaning on the veteran leadership of Davis and Armando Bacot for the rest of the year. Their regular season ends Saturday at Duke.