North Carolina’s season ended with a historic collapse and record audience, as the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead in an 82-78 overtime loss to VCU in what became the NCAA Tournament’s most-watched first-round game.
The Thursday primetime window that featured VCU-UNC and Michigan-Howard averaged 12.5 million viewers, making it the tournament’s most-watched first round ever, according to March Madness Men’s Basketball TV. Overall, the day averaged 9.8 million viewers, up 6% from last year and the tournament’s best opening day on record, per Nielsen ratings.
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It’s no coincidence that UNC has drawn strong TV numbers, as it has been one of the most-watched teams in the country. Of the 10 most-viewed games this season, three featured North Carolina, including both of its matchups against Duke.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: First round loss to VCU sets NCAA audience record
