UNC Basketball: A Win Over the Miami Hurricanes Would Likely Put Tar Heels Back in Top 25

North Carolina has won three of four and six of their last seven games.  With a win over the eighth ranked Hurricanes in Miami, UNC would have a great shot of finding themselves back in the top 25.  Let’s break down their chances.

Feb 2, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels coaches Steve Robinson, head coach Roy Williams, Hubert Davis, and Joe Holladay react in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Hokies 72-60 at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Five teams in last week’s AP poll had five losses.  Two of those five teams suffered their six loss of the season this week.  Let’s start with #18 Minnesota, the Gophers lost to #12 Michigan State on Wednesday their fifth loss in the last seven games.  #21 Missouri lost their sixth game of the season falling to Texas A&M Thursday, their second loss to an unranked team in the last three contests and third loss in their last six games.

#22 Oklahoma State. #23 Pittsburgh and #24 Marquette won their games this week and would appear to have a safe home in rankings this week (unless of course Marquette is unable to hold off DePaul today at 2pm).

#25 Notre Dame started the week with four losses but could easily end it with six.  The Fighting Irish were thumped by ninth ranked Syracuse on Monday and face #14 Louisville Saturday at 9pm.  #19 Oregon represents another team in danger of losing a spot in the rankings after dropping their third straight game this week to Colorado on Friday, Oregon faces Utah Saturday at 8pm.  #17 Cincinnati lost their fifth game and third to an unranked opponent Wednesday in a loss to Providence.

The stage is set, now all Carolina has to do is win.