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FORT MYERS, Fla. — Depth and the backup center question, background concerns when No. 16 North Carolina won its first six games, became more glaring against one of the best teams in the country. No. 11 Michigan State, with its size inside and deep bench, showed in its 74–58 victory Thursday at the Fort Myers Tip-Off that the Tar Heels’ solid, cohesive starting five won’t be enough against elite teams.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — When the outside shot failed No. 16 North Carolina, the Tar Heels fell out of their comfort zone, and No. 11 Michigan State pounced. With the Spartans collapsing to shut off driving lanes and the Tar Heels’ ball movement not as good, unbeaten Michigan State took control. The Spartans were ultimately more physical and used a late 9–0 run on their way to a 74–58 victory Thursday at the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
On Thanksgiving Day, No. 12 North Carolina has to be thankful for the versatility of senior guard Indya Nivar. Nivar registered the second triple-double in program history with 13 points, 12 rebounds while tying a 40-year-old program record with 10 steals as the Tar Heels rolled to an 83–48 victory over previously undefeated South Dakota State at the Cancun Challenge at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico.
Here’s a look at the UNC at N.C. State matchup with lines, statistics, notes and depth chart.
Elliot Cadeau’s outstanding floor game led to another blowout Michigan win on a night that Ven-Allen Lubin’s big numbers weren’t enough for N.C. State and Ian Jackson had a quiet night in another St. John’s loss.
Here’s a look at Thursday’s Cancun Challege game between No. 12 North Carolina and South Dakota State.
Here’s a look at Thursday’s marquee matchup at the Fort Myers Tip-Off between No. 16 North Carolina and No. 11 Michigan State.
Ian Jackson rebounded from a bad first game at the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas with a solid effort on Tuesday. Meanwhile, No. 7 Michigan advanced to the championship game of that event for the right to win big money despite Elliot Cadeau’s struggles on a day when Ven-Allen Lubin registered a double-double in Maui.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — North Carolina’s reserves have to play well for the Tar Heels to reach their potential, and Derek Dixon’s night was an example of how the bench can tilt games.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Tom Izzo says it’s too early to declare anything definitive about his No. 11 Michigan State team, or any team, for that matter. After the Spartans thumped an overmatched East Carolina team 89–56 on Tuesday at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, the Hall of Fame coach has seen enough Novembers to know that early games don’t always tell the truth.
Bill Belichick didn’t need any reminders about the stakes. His first season at North Carolina has already introduced him to plenty of emotional swings, but this week’s challenge — a Saturday night finale at N.C. State — comes with its own gravity.
It was more Maui frustration for Ven-Allen Lubin despite a good game, while Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson had contrasting luck in Vegas as holiday tournaments tipped off on Monday.
Here’s a look at Tuesday’s Fort Myers Tip-Off matchup between No. 16 North Carolina and undefeated St. Bonaventure.
North Carolina moved up two spots in the AP Top 25 men’s poll to No. 16 on Monday after beating Navy in its only game last week. The Tar Heels (5–0), who beat the Midshipmen 73–61 on Tuesday, are ranked the highest since they were No. 12 nearly one year ago on Nov. 25.
North Carolina moved up two spots in the AP Top 25 women’s poll to No. 12 after a pair of blowout victories last week against in-state, nonconference competition, and remains the highest-ranked ACC team.
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