The best time of the year is upon us! Yes, March Madness tips off just a couple of days from now. Last night, the NCAA Tournament committee convened and put together the best 68 teams in the nation. Or so they think.
Each year, there is always a mix of teams teetering on the bubble, barely getting selected, or being one of the first teams out, which sparks a debate every year. However, this year, the committee made a decision that made national headlines.
The North Carolina Tarheels were selected into the field of 68, which caused outrage from fans all over the country who thought the Tarheels were undeserving of a bid. ACC Network show host Mark Packer has a message for everyone who is unhappy about the decision.
Mark Packer Offers Analysts and Fans Around the Country Tissues for UNC Decision
Packer, co-host of the weekday ACC PM show, offered tissues to everyone who complained about the committee’s decision to include UNC in the tournament. During his show, he pulled out a tissue box with the Tarheel logo and stated the box was for all the “national tears” regarding the decision.
Mark Packer is handing out tissues to everyone who is crying about North Carolina making the men’s NCAA tournament 😂 pic.twitter.com/5tj7izeCqn
— ACC Network (@accnetwork) March 17, 2025
Packer called out Joe Lunardi, Stephen A. Smith, Jerry Palm, and Jon Rothstein, who all said North Carolina didn’t deserve a spot in the top 68. Packer also called out the state of West Virginia.
The Governor of West Virginia is attempting to sue the NCAA for the decision to leave the university out. The Mountaineers thought they were a lock for the big dance, considering they have arguably had a better résumé than North Carolina.
The Indiana Hoosiers also fell victim to not being invited to compete for a national championship. Many thought they were more deserving of a spot than North Carolina and arguably had a better résumé.
A major factor in selecting at-large teams for March Madness is the quantity of Quad 1 wins. The Tarheels carried a 1-12 record against Quad 1 teams. West Virginia bolstered a 6-10 quad one record, while Indiana went 4-13 in that metric.
North Carolina’s Path
Although UNC was selected, it will have to play a First Four game against San Diego State in Dayton, Ohio, to advance to the Round of 64. The Tarheels currently sit as 4.5-point favorites over the Aztecs.
KEEP READING: CBS Insider Jon Rothstein Calls UNC’s NCAA Tournament Selection ‘A Miscarriage of Justice’
If UNC can get by San Diego State, they will head to Milwaukee to take on Ole Miss in the Round of 64. It is a game that would be a trendy upset pick, as First Four teams tend to find success in the tournament. In 2021, UCLA played in the First Four and danced in the Final Four.
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