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North Carolina faces Virginia as nation's top team

Jan 10, 2007 - 5:57 PM Virginia (9-4) at No. 1 North Carolina (14-1) 9:00 pm EST

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (Ticker) -- North Carolina is making its first appearance as the nation's top-ranked team in nearly six years.

The No. 1 Tar Heels host Virginia in their second Atlantic Coast Conference game of the season on Wednesday.

After top-ranked UCLA absorbed its first loss at No. 17 Oregon, 68-66, on Saturday, North Carolina ascended to the top of the rankings for the first time since February 2001 under former coach Matt Doherty.

Since a loss to Gonzaga in the semifinals of the NIT Season Tip-Off, the Tar Heels have won 11 straight contests to vault into position as the nation's best team.

Tyler Hansbrough had 25 points and 13 rebounds as the Tar Heels posted an 84-58 ACC victory over Florida State on Sunday. Brandan Wright scored 20 points and Reyshawn Terry and reserve Danny Green each collected seven boards.

However, it won't be easy for North Carolina, which will have to deal with ACC Player of the Week Sean Singletary. He scored 37 points in Virginia's win vs. Gonzaga on Wednesday.

In their last contest, the Cavaliers dropped a 76-75 decision to Stanford - also at home. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak.

Virginia has lost six of its last eight meetings with the Tar Heels. The Cavaliers have not won in Chapel Hill since 2002.