NCAA Basketball: UConn, Iowa State, Auburn rise in latest top 25 power rankings

5. North Carolina (27-7)

North Carolina’s season has been pretty incredible, especially after last season’s utter disappointment. The Tar Heels added important pieces in the offseason and became the ACC’s top team, earning the 1-seed in the ACC Tournament. This conference hasn’t exactly been at its best this season, but the Tar Heels were in for quite a surprise in the postseason.

There wasn’t much drama in the quarterfinals, as the Tar Heels won 92-67 against Florida State back on Thursday. RJ Davis had 18 points while Armando Bacot (14 points, 10 rebounds) had another double-double. The semifinal was closer, but North Carolina prevailed 72-65, with 25 points from Davis and a 19-point, 11-rebound effort from Bacot. A major surprise came in the championship game, with the Tar Heels upended 84-76 by NC State, losing despite a 30-point performance out of Davis.

NC State had an insane run through the ACC Tournament, and this loss doesn’t damage things too much for the Tar Heels. They possibly lost out on a 1-seed in the NCAA Tournament, but there’s still among the best teams in the nation. This lineup is really dangerous and has the potential for another deep Tourney run.