UNC took some losses to highly ranked competition in nonconference games, but eventually molded into a team that earned an NCAA Tournament spot.

Sean Pedulla made a critical 3-pointer with 52.8 seconds left, and Mississippi topped North Carolina 71-64 in the NCAA Tournament after the Rebels squandered most of a 22-point lead in the second half.

North Carolina's inclusion in the NCAA tournament was one of the hottest topics of Selection Sunday. The Tar Heels responded with a dominant win over San Diego State in the First Four. But their NCAA tournament run won't extend beyond the first round.