The Michigan State Spartans didn’t just win — they broke the spirit of a top-16 team in the final minutes. On November 27, 2025, at the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, the No. 11 Spartans crushed the No. 16 North Carolina Tar Heels 74-58, handing them their first loss of the 2025-2026 season. It wasn’t a fluke. It was a statement. And it came on the back of a second-half explosion that left UNC stunned — and scoreless — for over four minutes.
When the Shots Stopped Falling
North Carolina had clawed back from a 12-point deficit to make it a three-point game with just 4:15 left. Fans in the arena rose to their feet. The Tar Heels smelled an upset. Then, silence.
They didn’t make another field goal. Not one. Not a layup. Not a jumper. Not even a free throw to cut the lead. Michigan State, meanwhile, went on a 19-6 run to close the game. According to FayObserver.com, the Tar Heels’ final 4:15 was the most brutal stretch of their season. Their offense evaporated. Their rhythm shattered. And suddenly, a game that felt like it might slip away became a rout.
Jeremy Fears Jr. and Kohler Carry the Load
While UNC struggled to find their shot, Jeremy Fears Jr. was carving up the defense. The Spartans’ guard poured in 19 points — all of them timely, all of them tough. He drove, pulled up, and hit mid-range jumpers when UNC collapsed. But he wasn’t alone.
Forward Kohler delivered a quiet masterpiece: 10 points, 11 rebounds, and relentless defensive presence. His double-double wasn’t flashy, but it was foundational. He anchored the paint, cleaned up misses, and kept UNC’s big men off the glass. When the Tar Heels finally got a look at the rim in the final minutes, Kohler was there — not just to block, but to smother. The Big Ten Network’s highlights called it "an unbelievable performance by Michigan," and they weren’t exaggerating.
Hubert Davis’s Tar Heels Hit a Wall
Head coach Hubert Davis had built a resilient team this season. UNC entered the game 6-0, with wins over ranked opponents and a reputation for closing out tight games. But Thursday night exposed a vulnerability: when the offense stalls, they don’t have a Plan B.
"An impressive second half performance from the Spartans doomed Hubert Davis’ squad," wrote Tar Heel Blog’s Brandon Anderson. That’s the truth. Michigan State didn’t just outscore them — they outworked them. They forced 14 turnovers. They grabbed 10 more rebounds. And they made UNC pay for every missed shot with transition points.
By the end, even the most optimistic Tar Heel fans had to admit: this wasn’t a fluke loss. It was a systemic failure under pressure.
Michigan State’s Perfect Record Lives On
For the Spartans, this win wasn’t just about keeping their undefeated record intact — it was about proving they belong in the national conversation. At 7-0, they’re not just surviving. They’re dominating. And they’re doing it without relying on one superstar. Fears Jr. led the scoring, but six players hit double digits in minutes played. Their ball movement was crisp. Their defense was suffocating.
Coach Tom Izzo — though not named in the original reports — has quietly built one of the most balanced teams in the Big Ten this season. His squad doesn’t need to shoot 50% from three to win. They win with grit, with defense, and with timing. And in the final minutes of this game, they had all three.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
North Carolina’s loss doesn’t end their season — but it changes the narrative. They were projected as a Final Four contender. Now, they’ll have to answer questions about their ability to close out tough games. Their next test? A road game against a physical Florida State team. If they can’t fix their late-game execution, the ACC will chew them up.
For Michigan State, this win is a springboard. They’ve beaten a top-16 team on a neutral floor. They’ve shown they can win without their best shooting night. And they’ve proven they can handle pressure. With the Big Ten schedule looming — including games against Purdue, Illinois, and Iowa — this could be the signature win that carries them into March.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
- Michigan State held UNC to 37.5% shooting from the field
- The Tar Heels went 0-for-9 from three-point range in the second half
- Michigan State outrebounded UNC 38-29, including 12 offensive boards
- UNC committed 14 turnovers, leading to 21 Spartans points
- Michigan State’s bench outscored UNC’s 24-8
Those aren’t just stats. They’re symptoms of a team that cracked under pressure — and one that thrived because of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Michigan State’s defense shut down North Carolina in the final minutes?
Michigan State switched to a tight man-to-man defense with extended arms and relentless closeouts. They forced UNC into contested mid-range jumpers and denied entry passes to the post. The Tar Heels’ offense, which thrives on ball movement and spacing, became stagnant. Without open looks, they rushed shots and turned the ball over — leading to a 19-6 Spartan run to close the game.
Why was Kohler’s double-double so important for Michigan State?
Kohler’s 10 points and 11 rebounds provided stability inside when UNC tried to exploit Michigan State’s smaller lineup. His defensive presence deterred drives, and his offensive rebounds extended possessions. In the final minutes, when UNC needed a basket, Kohler was often the last line of defense — and he made sure they didn’t get one.
What does this loss mean for North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament chances?
While one loss won’t knock UNC out of contention, it hurts their resume. They now need to win the ACC tournament or land a top-4 seed to feel secure. Their non-conference slate was strong, but losing to a mid-tier Big Ten team on a neutral floor raises red flags. They’ll need to dominate in conference play to prove they’re still a Final Four threat.
Is this win a sign Michigan State is a national title contender?
It’s a strong indicator. Beating a top-16 team on the road — especially with a balanced attack and lockdown defense — is the kind of win that builds momentum. With Jeremy Fears Jr. heating up and Kohler anchoring the interior, Michigan State has the depth and discipline to compete with anyone. Their next test: a home game against Purdue in December.
How does the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament impact team rankings?
While it’s a non-conference tournament, wins here carry weight in the NCAA Selection Committee’s eyes. Michigan State’s win over a ranked ACC team boosts their Quadrant 1 resume. For North Carolina, the loss drops their NET ranking slightly, and their strength of schedule looks less impressive. Both teams will likely face tougher opponents in the next few weeks, but this result will be referenced in March.
Who else stood out for Michigan State besides Fears Jr. and Kohler?
Trey Fort had key steals and transition finishes, while Coen Carr delivered a crucial three-pointer late to push the lead to double digits. Caleb Wilson also contributed with timely passes and defensive rotations. The Spartans’ depth was the difference — eight players scored, and their bench outscored UNC’s by 16 points. That’s the mark of a team built for the long haul.
