Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Breaking Down the ACC Race

By Bryson Gordon

Mar 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams celebrates by cutting down the net after the Tar Heels' game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Tar Heels won 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams celebrates by cutting down the net after the Tar Heels' game against the Virginia Cavaliers in the championship game of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. The Tar Heels won 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams with guard Kenny Williams (24) and forwards Theo Pinson (1) and Justin Jackson (44) after his 800th career win. The Tar Heels defeated Syracuse Orange 85-68 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams with guard Kenny Williams (24) and forwards Theo Pinson (1) and Justin Jackson (44) after his 800th career win. The Tar Heels defeated Syracuse Orange 85-68 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

North Carolina (7-1 ACC)

Imagine how this conversation could be going if the Heels had not lost to Georgia Tech.

The Heels have shown flashes of being a national title contender at times. But at times, Carolina has also rolled out some headscratchers.

Nonetheless, here they are, standing alone atop the ACC standings. Coach Williams has done an incredible job keeping UNC on top of the mountain, despite recruiting struggles.

Unlike Florida State, the Heels have played the weaker part of their ACC schedule to date. FSU is the toughest team they have faced so far. Six of the last ten games will be against currently ranked teams, including Duke twice.

Even with the hardest part of the schedule coming up,  Carolina has already built a one game lead. And wins over Virginia, and Louisville down the homestretch could go a long way towards helping their cause.

This team is considered by many to be the favorite in the ACC with a healthy roster.

Continuing to avoid the upsets, and taking care of a few ranked teams would put the Heels in a good place in the end.

The tough homestretch gives them a 25% chance to win the ACC.

 

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