After a disappointing loss, can the Tar Heels salvage their season.

The North Carolina Tar Heels squandered an opportunity to close the Stanford Cardinals at home in a 72-71 defeat. Former Duke Blue Devil, Jaylen Blakes, not only hit the game winning shot but sent the Tar Heels NCAA Tournament hopes in serious doubt. It was a disappointing outcome for the Tar Heels as Ian Jackson's hot streak ended while some of their other issues as a team remained prevalent. The Tar Heels currently sit 12-7, 5th in the ACC. The problem that UNC currently faces is that the ACC is in a down season. The only games they have left vs ranked opponents is both showdowns with Duke. Carolina will need to win atleast one of those matchups to bolster their resume but Duke is surging behind their standout freshman Cooper Flagg. UNC is only 1-6 vs Quad 1 opponents.

If the Tar Heels do miss the NCAA Tournament, it would be the second time in four seasons. That is not the standard in Chapel Hill and if people aren't already questioning the state of Hubert Davis' program, missing the NCAA Tournament will turn up the heat. Thier are my symptons why this is happening. The Tar Heels missed on several front court prospects on the recruiting trail and the transfer portal. As a result the Heels are currently ranked 271st in the country in total rebounds and 265th in offensive rebounding. When you think of classic Tar Heel teams you think of big men crashing the glass. UNC is often undersized at both the front line and the guard position and it shows up in the defensive numbers as well. Carolina is ranked 224th in blocked shots per game and an rank 175th in defensive rating. 5th year senior, RJ Davis, has struggled at many points throughout the season. Davis is only shooting 38% from the floor and 28% from 3. For a player with his profile in his 5th season that just isn't going to get it done.

The end of the regular season is 7 weeks away. Carolina has little margin of error if they ultimately want to get back to the NCAA Tournament. The only way that will happen is if they can string together wins and finish the season strong. Otherwise, it will be a long spring and summer in Chapel Hill for Hubert Davis.