North Carolina women’s basketball teams have a long history of success in the NCAA Tournament. However, they have recently struggled to replicate that success.
Glory Days
The highlight remains the North Carolina Tar Heels’ dramatic title win 30 years ago in 1994. Charlotte Smith hit a legendary buzzer-beating three to claim the only women’s basketball championship in state history so far.
North Carolina teams like the Tar Heels, Blue Devils, and Wolfpack have reached Final Fours over the years. Seven teams have made it that far since 1994, with four of those squads earning #1 seeds.
Rough Recent Years
Lately, North Carolina schools have not matched that standard. They have earned strong seeds but disappointed early.
N.C. State and UNC both held #1 seeds in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Yet the Wolfpack fell in the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight those years. Meanwhile, UNC couldn’t escape the second round last March.
The Blue Devils similarly missed expectations as a #2 seed in 2017, exiting in round two. Overall, no North Carolina team has reached the Final Four since 2007 despite appearing frequently.
2022 Struggles Continue Theme
Last season followed suit. Duke, UNC, N.C. State and East Carolina all danced but lasted shortly. Despite N.C. State earning a #1 seed again, UConn upset them in the Elite Eight again.
ESPN predicts the Big Four of those schools back this March. N.C. State may claim another high seed but must reverse their late stumbles.
Betting Interest High in North Carolina
This year also marks the launch of legal North Carolina sports betting. With many fans eager to bet on March Madness, North Carolina sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings offer odds.
Both books give N.C. State the best odds to win the title of North Carolina schools. FanDuel sets them at +3000 odds ($100 bet returns $3,100). DraftKings has similar +2800 odds on the Wolfpack.
With North Carolina sports betting apps going live March 11, residents can use sites like BetMGM North Carolina for March Madness wagers too. New players can take advantage of North Carolina sportsbook promos like a BetMGM North Carolina bonus code for bonus bets.
Struggling State Schools Seek Revival
North Carolina schools have appeared regularly in March lately but not lasted. As legal betting ramps up interest, many hope a local school can conjure old magic this March.
If N.C. State breaks their late jinx or UNC rediscovers glory, Final Four droughts may end. Until then, recent letdowns suggest not assuming deep runs. But with North Carolina’s proud history, some remain optimistic about this month annually.
✅ Updated on February 24, 2024 by Frank Sutton
Frank Sutton is a sports journalist with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He has specialized in sports betting for over a decade, establishing himself as an expert in this area. With his extensive knowledge and experience, Frank provides insightful analysis and commentary on sports betting operator reviews, odds and outcomes.
