All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Reaches Its Highest Ranking This Season

The UNC basketball squad jumped three spots in this week's AP Top 25.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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A month ago, following back-to-back losses to UConn and Kentucky on neutral courts, UNC basketball ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll.

Six straight wins later, including four away from the friendly confines of the Smith Center, the Tar Heels (13-3, 5-0 ACC), who haven't allowed any opponent to score 70 or more points across their impressive streak, sit at No. 4 in the country.

UConn is No. 1 for the first time since late in the 2008-09 season. And one could argue that's a good omen for the 2023-24 Tar Heels, as UNC was in the top five when the Huskies last ranked No. 1 and went on to win the program's fifth of now-six NCAA titles.

These Tar Heels, the only remaining undefeated team in ACC play, are now one of only two from the conference in the AP Top 25, marking a season-low count. The other ranked ACC representative is UNC's archrival eight miles down Tobacco Road in No. 7 Duke (13-3, 4-1 ACC).

UNC welcomes Duke to Chapel Hill on Feb. 3. Considering the relative weakness of the rest of the ACC, there's a realistic chance that both the Tar Heels and Blue Devils win the rest of their games before what will be their first of two regular-season matchups this season, perhaps setting the stage for a top-five rivalry showdown.

NEXT UNC BASKETBALL GAME: at home against unranked Louisville (6-10, 1-4 ACC), 9 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACC Network)

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Tar Heel Star Armando Bacot Joins Exclusive ACC Club

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com 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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