
File photo by Chris Baird
Hairston's timetable is uncertain
Carolina's upcoming schedule at least should offer the squad a reprieve. By my ever-so-empirical calculations, the Heels must compile a 4-2 record during this second six-game period. If they hit that benchmark and finish 3-3 during the final six, that would earn them a 10-8 conference mark and likely a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
The Heels will face several easier opponents but won't enjoy much margin for error. They've now scalped Boston College on the road and will host middling (at best) foes Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and Virginia in Chapel Hill. They need to win all of those games, because their other two contests will be road trips to Duke and conference-leading Miami.
Carolina now has won four of its past five games. The Heels haven't yet defeated any top ACC teams, but they've avoided any bad losses — falling only to NCSU and Virginia on the road, and Miami at home — and will host the Wolfpack and Blue Devils later this season.
Next up, UNC will welcome Virginia Tech to Chapel Hill on Saturday afternoon. Click here to view the UNC/BC box score.