UNC's title odds went from preseason best to life support after ACC quarterfinals loss

We’re almost a full year removed from North Carolina’s loss in the NCAA national title game, and just a few months removed from a preseason poll that gave the Tar Heels a fair shot to make it back.

UNC was ranked No. 1 in October’s AP poll and also tied for the best betting odds to win this year’s title at +1000. Bettors were believers, making UNC one of the most bet on teams to make a deep tourney run this season.

In a stunning twist that unfolded all season but was expected to turn around at some point, the Tar Heels are in danger of missing the NCAA tournament altogether after Thursday’s ACC quarterfinals loss. Their title odds are all the way down to +12500 at BetMGM.

The 5 most bet-on teams to make the Final Four in March Madness.

Gonzaga +450 – 12% of the handle
Kansas +180 – 10% of the handle
UCLA +210 – 8% of the handle
Texas +450 – 7% of the handle
North Carolina +1500 – 5% of the handle

splits via @DKSportsbook pic.twitter.com/cdjrnUwLlP

— Covers (@Covers) March 8, 2023

Most bet teams (money) to win NCAA Tournament at @BetMGM

Kansas 17.5%
Houston 8.5%
Purdue 7.5%
Alabama 7.0%
Arizona 6.6%
UCLA 6.1%
Tennessee 4.5%
Kentucky 3.8%
North Carolina 3.7%

— John Ewing (@johnewing) March 10, 2023

After languishing through a 19-12 (11-9 ACC) regular season, North Carolina was already on the bubble entering the ACC Tournament. But with the talent from last year’s Final Four run still largely in place, no one put it past UNC to earn an automatic bid by winning the tournament.

So much for that.

The Tar Heels lost to No. 13 Virginia in the quarters, leaving their tourney hopes in the hands of the selection committee. With a 1-8 record in Quadrant 1 games, their chances to make the big dance and make good on all those bets are on life support.