Leaky Black on Florida State win: This is where we find out who we really are

Trust in the work. That’s the message North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis has given his team with the postseason just around the corner. Every game is must-win for the Tar Heels, and they just got one step toward their goal after defeating Florida State 77-66 Monday night. Leaky Black tied his season-high with 18 points and nine rebounds on an effecient 6-of-8 (3-4 from deep) shooting in the win. He led a starting lineup that produced all but eight of the Tar Heels total points on the night.

Now winning thier third game in a row, the Tar Heels are already in survive and advance mode with less than a week before the regular season wraps up.

“It takes a lot of perserverance. It’s been a long, tough season and this is where we find out who we really are winning games like this on the road,” Black said about winning in the ACC. “Road game, gritty team, difficult enviornement. It was a big-time win.”

ESPN’s Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi joined the game’s halftime show to discuss UNC’s resume and what they need to do to secure its spot within the NCAA Tournament bubble. With the win, the Tar Heels would need a win against Duke on Saturday and then it would need at least one ACC Tournament win after that.

If not, the preseason No. 1 team will not be dancing in March Madness. It’s been almost a decade since the last time a team made the NCAA Championship game and failed to reach the tournament the following year (I’m looking at you, Kentucky). The Tar Heels won’t want to join that select group of teams.

First thing’s first, the Tar Heels will look to even the season series against the Blue Devils Saturday in Chapel Hill. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET live on ESPN.