North Carolina’s stock continues to rise as the calendar turns to the last full month of the 2025-26 regular season. The Tar Heels hit a new high as they downed top rival Duke in a 71-68 thriller.

Seth Trimble’s last second three helped lift the Tar Heels to a 19-4 record, ended a three-game losing streak against the Blue Devils, and elevated the team five spots to No. 13 in the latest Coaches Poll. Duke, which faced just its second loss of the season, remained in the top ten at No. 6.

North Carolina now enjoys a five-game winning streak, dating back to its Jan. 21 triumph against Notre Dame. Two of the victories during this stretch have been against ranked opponents.

While the ACC has been performing strongly, the Big 12 has demonstrated considerable power with four of its teams landing inside the top ten of this week’s Coaches Poll, including three in the top five. Arizona continues to lead the pack, being the No. 1 team in the country.

No wonder, as the Wildcats have maintained an undefeated record of 23-0. They face a significant challenge on Monday night against No. 9 Kansas, which recently debuted in the top ten while enjoying a seven-game winning streak.

Coaches Poll

1. Arizona (30)
2. Michigan (1)
3. Houston
4. Iowa State
5. UConn
6. Duke
7. Illinois
8. Nebraska
9. Kansas
10. Michigan State
11. Gonzaga
12. Purdue
13. North Carolina
14. Florida
15. Virginia
16. Texas Tech
17. St. John’s
18. Clemson
19. Saint Louis
20. Vanderbilt
21. Arkansas
22. BYU
23. Louisville
24. Miami (OH)
25. Iowa

Others receiving votes: Kentucky 30; Alabama 24; Villanova 13; North Carolina State 13; Tennessee 10; Utah State 8; Texas A&M 7; Georgia 3; Santa Clara 1