Scheduling quirk keeps UNC basketball in state for almost a month

If you had to single out one team enjoying the top home-court advantage in college basketball, the North Carolina Tar Heels make a fairly strong case.

UNC (22-6, 10-5 ACC) sits a perfect 16-0 at home ahead of Saturday's 8:30 p.m., national television tilt with Virginia Tech. North Carolina has a few impressive road wins, most notably at Kentucky and Virginia, but plays best inside the Dean Dome.

You may know about the importance of home-court advantage, but how about a home state advantage? Due to a funny scheduling quirk, the Tar Heels won't leave their home state until the NCAA Tournament.

After hosting the Hokies (18-10, 7-8 ACC) on Saturday, UNC welcomes a reeling Clemson squad to Chapel Hill on Tuesday, with a 7 p.m. tip set for ESPN. North Carolina travels to Durham for a rematch with archrival Duke on Saturday, March 7, then down to Charlotte on March 10 for the ACC Tournament.

The Tar Heels fielded plenty concerns earlier in February, losing by nine at Miami (FL), then later suffering their worst loss to NC State in 60+ years. Getting Henri Veesaar back from injury, plus having guys like Zayden High and Jarin Stevenson step up, restored fans' faith in UNC basketball.

Wherever North Carolina plays as the postseason approaches, you know fans will follow. Cameron Indoor Stadium might be the only place Tar Heel Nation is outnumbered, as the Cameron Crazies know how to bring a crowd.

UNC appears to be heating up again at the right time, which has fans extremely happy again. Playing in North Carolina for the next month is a major plus, but can the Tar Heels become road warriors in postseason play?

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball won't leave North Carolina for games until NCAA Tourney