No. 16 North Carolina (6-0) is set to clash with No. 11 Michigan State (6-0) on Thursday, November 27, at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida. The highly anticipated matchup will kick off at 4:30 p.m. and will be televised on FOX, featuring commentators Adam Amin and Jim Jackson.
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis praised his team’s second-half performance against St. Bonaventure, highlighting their ability to handle physical play and dominate near the basket. The Tar Heels, who led by just two points at halftime, showcased a powerful offensive switch, largely fueled by the impressive contributions from forwards Henri Veesaar and Caleb Wilson. Veesaar notched a career-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Wilson added 18 points and 12 rebounds. This victory marked Carolina’s first 6-0 start since the 2016-17 season.
Wilson, in particular, has been a standout player for UNC, achieving double-doubles in four consecutive games—making him the first Tar Heel freshman to reach this milestone. He currently averages 20.2 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 61.2% from the field, along with 10.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game.
On the other side, Michigan State also boasts a perfect 6-0 record and has climbed significantly in the AP Poll following impressive victories against ranked opponents, including a narrow win over Arkansas and a dominant performance against Kentucky. The Spartans’ physical defense has been a hallmark of their gameplay, currently ranking eighth nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency.
Led by veteran coach Tom Izzo, who is in his 31st season with Michigan State, the Spartans have a rich history of success, including 27 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. This season, Michigan State’s offense has seen a change, with standout point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. leading the nation in assists, averaging 10.2 per game. Fears has had exceptional performances, including a career-high 13 assists against Kentucky, and he contributes 10.8 points per game as well.
Recent games have seen Michigan State excel in three-point shooting, a departure from their previous playing style under Izzo. Over the last three games, the Spartans have connected on 41.6% of their three-point attempts, with Jaxon Kohler emerging as a key player by leading the scoring for the team with 15.3 points per game and showing significant improvement from deep.
The two teams have a competitive history, with Carolina leading the all-time series 13-5. This matchup marks their third straight year facing off, with Michigan State winning a closely contested game in last season’s Maui Invitational.
With both teams entering the game undefeated, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between two powerhouses in college basketball. The skill of the players, combined with the tactical expertise of both coaches, promises an exciting atmosphere in Fort Myers.