UNC Basketball’s Unexpected Month-Long Stay: What’s Behind the Scheduling Mystery?

When it comes to college hoops and home-court dominance, very few teams boast a fortress like the North Carolina Tar Heels. I mean, going an unblemished 16-0 at home this season? That’s not just impressive — it’s downright formidable. Sure, UNC’s snagged some big road wins against heavy hitters like Kentucky and Virginia, but it’s inside the Dean Dome where they truly summon their best. What’s wild here is this quirky scheduling twist: the Tar Heels won’t set foot outside North Carolina until the NCAA Tournament swings around. Talk about a hometown advantage… After taking on Virginia Tech, they’ve got a packed home schedule lined up, featuring Clemson and a must-watch rivalry rematch with Duke, before finally heading out for the ACC Tournament. Sure, February had its share of hiccups — like that bruising loss to NC State, the worst in decades — but getting key players back from injury and rising stars stepping up has reignited belief in this squad. With the postseason lurking just around the corner, the big question is simple yet tantalizing: can this Tar Heels team transform into genuine road warriors when it counts the most? LEARN MORE

If you had to single out one team enjoying the top home-court advantage in college basketball, the North Carolina Tar Heels make a fairly strong case.

UNC (22-6, 10-5 ACC) sits a perfect 16-0 at home ahead of Saturday’s 8:30 p.m., national television tilt with Virginia Tech. North Carolina has a few impressive road wins, most notably at Kentucky and Virginia, but plays best inside the Dean Dome.

You may know about the importance of home-court advantage, but how about a home state advantage? Due to a funny scheduling quirk, the Tar Heels won’t leave their home state until the NCAA Tournament.

After hosting the Hokies (18-10, 7-8 ACC) on Saturday, UNC welcomes a reeling Clemson squad to Chapel Hill on Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. tip set for ESPN. North Carolina travels to Durham for a rematch with archrival Duke on Saturday, March 7, then down to Charlotte on March 10 for the ACC Tournament.

The Tar Heels fielded plenty concerns earlier in February, losing by nine at Miami (FL), then later suffering their worst loss to NC State in 60+ years. Getting Henri Veesaar back from injury, plus having guys like Zayden High and Jarin Stevenson step up, restored fans’ faith in UNC basketball.

Wherever North Carolina plays as the postseason approaches, you know fans will follow. Cameron Indoor Stadium might be the only place Tar Heel Nation is outnumbered, as the Cameron Crazies know how to bring a crowd.

UNC appears to be heating up again at the right time, which has fans extremely happy again. Playing in North Carolina for the next month is a major plus, but can the Tar Heels become road warriors in postseason play?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball won’t leave North Carolina for games until NCAA Tourney