UNC's Arrival to 2025 NCAA Tournament First Four Delayed by 'Travel Issues'

The North Carolina men's basketball team didn't arrive on time in Dayton, Ohio, ahead of its First Four game against San Diego State because of unexpected "travel issues."

The NCAA didn't specify the source of the problem in the statement it issued Monday.

Luke DeCock of the News & Observer reported the flight the NCAA chartered for the Tar Heels was late in touching down at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

UNC was originally supposed to land in Dayton around 4 p.m. ET on Monday. Instead, the plane didn't take off from the Raleigh-Durham airport until 5:12 p.m. and had wheels on the ground in Western Ohio at 6:29 p.m.

That meant Hubert Davis' squad was staging its open practice Monday night after 8 p.m., more than 90 minutes past the original time.

The travel delay ultimately shouldn't have much bearing on Tuesday's game. North Carolina's players and coaches will still have had a lot of time to physically and mentally prepare for playing the Aztecs.

For some, this was probably a case of karma given the inclusion of the Tar Heels in the 68-team field was perhaps the selection committee's most contentious decision.

UNC went 22-13 and ranks 33rd at KenPom.com. The Tar Heels made the Big Dance despite their terrible 1-12 mark against opponents from Quadrant One.

Monday's mishap could be an omen for North Carolina's tournament fortunes.

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