All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels Drop Out of Top 10 Following Loss

Despite the drop, UNC basketball remains the highest-ranked ACC squad.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports
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The latest Associated Press Top 25 Poll, which came out on Monday afternoon, does not set the stage for a top-10 showdown between the UNC basketball team and Oklahoma in Charlotte's Spectrum Center at 9 p.m. ET Wednesday (ESPN) as part of the Jumpman Invitational.

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No, the Tar Heels (7-3, 1-0 ACC) fell from No. 9 to No. 11 in light of their 0-1 mark last week: an 87-83 loss to now-No. 9 Kentucky at the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta on Saturday evening. However, they'll have a shot to tally their first victory over a top-10 opponent, as the undefeated Sooners (10-0, 0-0 Big 12) jumped four spots to No. 7.

A win would likely propel UNC back into the top 10 next week.

Last week, a season-high five ACC teams had a ranking by their name. But this go-round, Miami (8-2, 1-0 ACC) fell out after recording only a seven-point home win over La Salle on Saturday; that said, the Hurricanes appear first among the "others receiving votes."

For the third straight week, the Tar Heels, who sat at No. 19 in the preseason AP Poll, are the cream of the crop from the conference. Clemson (9-1, 1-0 ACC) is next at No. 18, then No. 21 Duke (7-3, 0-1 ACC) and No. 22 Virginia (9-1, 1-0 ACC).

Following UNC basketball's showdown against Oklahoma, the Tar Heels will have eight days off before hosting Charleston Southern on Dec. 29.

One Oklahoma Stat Should Be Warning to Tar Heels

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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