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UNC Basketball: Both Polls Bid Farewell to Tar Heels

A fourth defeat cost Hubert Davis' fourth UNC basketball squad a ranking by its name.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis
UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis / Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
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For the first time since the end of the 2022-23 season, UNC basketball is absent from the Associated Press Top 25 Poll. The Tar Heels (5-4, 1-0 ACC), who began the 2024-25 campaign at No. 9 in the country, fell from No. 20 to unranked status in this week's release on Monday after losing at home to the now-No. 7 Alabama Crimson Tide, 94-79, on Wednesday night and beating the unranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 68-65, on Saturday afternoon.

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The move marked the fifth time in as many weeks this season that UNC has either dropped or remained in the same spot.

Meanwhile, the ACC has two representatives in the AP Top 25 Poll, the only ones who emerged victorious across last week's 16-game SEC/ACC Challenge slate. The Duke Blue Devils rose five notches to No. 4, and the Clemson Tigers jumped from unranked to No. 16.

In the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll, Duke and Clemson check in at No. 6 and No. 16, respectively.

UNC basketball, still receiving votes in both polls, is now gearing up to host the unranked La Salle Explorers (6-4, 0-1 Atlantic 10) at 4 p.m. ET Saturday (The CW Network). That'll be the Tar Heels' only outing before the next edition of each poll comes out next Monday.

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Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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