Can North Carolina make it to March Madness 2023? Analyzing their situation after UNC vs Virginia game

North Carolina suffered a 68-59 loss on Thursday against Virginia in the ACC tournament quarterfinals. It has been a disappointing season for the Tar Heels and they are likely to miss the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010.

UNC put in a terrible performance against the Cavaliers at the Greensboro Coliseum. They were outclassed by Virginia from start to finish, shooting 35.8% from the field and turning the ball over 11 times.

Last year's runners-up were ranked first in the preseason, but they are probably making history. Roy Baxter of the Fayetteville Observer noted that if UNC doesn't qualify for the NCAA Tournament, they'll be the first team to miss it after being ranked No. 1 before the season.

CBS Sports bracketology expert Jerry Palm has North Carolina in the First Four Out bracket. That means they are unlikely to qualify for the NCAA Tournament alongside Arizona State, Oklahoma State and Clemson.

UNC's biggest chance to make the bracket was winning the ACC tournament, but was eliminated in the quarterfinals. They played poorly throughout the season for an underwhelming overall record of 20-13 and are just 11-9 in the conference.

FanSided's Scott Rogust reported that it's safe to say that the Tar Heels won't be making March Madness for the first time in 13 years. Rogust noted that there's still a chance for the selection committee to include UNC in the tournament on Sunday.

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Will North Carolina play in the National Invitation Tournament?

North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis

If North Carolina misses the NCAA Tournament, they are likely to get invited to play in the NIT. After their loss to Virginia, head coach Hubert Davis was asked about their interest in playing in a secondary tournament.

"I'm not thinking about that at all right now," Davis said. "We just lost a game. I'm thinking about them and thinking about this team, and that's the only thing on my mind right now."

However, Caleb Guard expressed his desire to play in the NIT if the selection committee doesn't choose them for March Madness.

"I, obviously, want to win something for this team," Love said. "Whatever is in the best interest for this team, that's what I wanna do."

North Carolina last played in the NIT in 2010 and were runners-up to the Dayton Flyers. The Tar Heels have one NIT championship, winning the tournament way back in 1971.