Despite dropping their conference tournament title game on Saturday night, the UNC men’s basketball earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday night — leading to a celebration on social media over the program’s season to this point.

The NCAA Tournament selection committee put the Tar Heels as the No. 1 team in the West regional after Carolina went 27-7 this season and won the ACC regular season championship. Their selection means UNC continues to extend its own record of total appearances as a No. 1 seed (18) and means the program returns to the Big Dance after missing out in the 2022-23 season.

UNC fans and media members who cover the team were quick to point out how the seeding represented a stark turnaround compared to the prior year, when Carolina became the first No. 1 preseason team to miss the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, people pointed out how being a top seed has often led to positive outcomes for Carolina — with their last five NCAA championship seasons coming as a No. 1 seed.

People also posted and commented over a variety of storylines, including the rest of the field in the West regional. While there is plenty of basketball ahead, UNC drawing a March Madness foe in Michigan State and Arizona — where three-year Carolina star Caleb Love transferred this season — caught plenty of fans attention.

Some pundits coming into the night had also Big 12 tournament winner Iowa State potentially jumping into the No. 1 seed position because of their Saturday win and Carolina’s loss. Once that did not pan out, Carolina fans let their thoughts be known.

Below are some of the best reactions on social media from Sunday night:

 

UNC will play on Thursday against the winner of the First Four matchup between Howard and Wagner, who are each No. 16 seeds. The Tar Heels’ first round game will tip off at 2:30 p.m. in Charlotte, N.C. and will air on CBS.

 

Featured photo by Todd Melet/WCHL & Chapelboro.

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