When Jeremy Fears Jr. sank a high-arching bank shot with the shot clock dying, the Michigan State Spartans didn’t just take the lead—they seized control of the game. It was November 27, 2025, at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida, and the North Carolina Tar Heels, once undefeated, were reeling. Fears, a redshirt sophomore guard, finished with a career-high 19 points, seven assists, and five rebounds, leading Michigan State to a 74-58 upset win over the No. 16 Tar Heels in the Fort Myers Tip-Off Fort Myers’s Beach Division. The loss dropped North Carolina to 6-1, snapping a six-game winning streak and handing them their lowest point total of the season.
From Trailing to Taking Over
Michigan State didn’t start strong. After jumping out to a 5-0 lead, they watched North Carolina claw back, taking a 22-15 advantage on a layup from freshman forward Jarin Stevenson. The Spartans looked out of rhythm. But then came the run—the kind that changes games and seasons. With 7:42 left in the first half, Tom Izzo called timeout. What followed was a 13-0 surge, fueled by defense, hustle, and Fears’ poise. North Carolina went more than four and a half minutes without a basket. Carson Cooper finished a thunderous alley-oop from Fears with a left-handed slam, and the crowd felt the shift. By halftime, Michigan State led 33-28.
Defensive Mastery Defines the Game
The Spartans didn’t just win—they made North Carolina look lost. The Tar Heels shot a season-worst 38.2 percent from the field (21 of 55) and a dismal 4 of 23 (17.4 percent) from three-point range. That’s the sixth straight game Michigan State has held an opponent under 40 percent shooting. And for the third time in a row, they’ve held a team under 60 points. Defensive dominance isn’t a buzzword here—it’s a pattern. The Spartans grabbed 12 offensive rebounds for the seventh straight game, turning them into 12 second-chance points. Their bench outscored North Carolina’s 20-5, a gap that speaks volumes about depth and discipline.
North Carolina’s offense, usually reliable, looked disjointed. Freshman guard Caleb Wilson led the Tar Heels with 18 points, but he needed 13 shots to get there. Center Henri Veesaar went 6 for 19. Even their best players couldn’t find rhythm against Michigan State’s switching defense and relentless closeouts. When North Carolina pulled to within three at 55-52 with 8:48 left, it felt like a rally was brewing. Then came the 9-0 run. Fears found Cooper for a layup. Then he stole a pass, drove, and dished to Cam Ward for a pull-up jumper. The Tar Heels called timeout. The energy had shifted. The game was over.
Bench Brilliance and the Izzo Effect
Coach Tom Izzo has built a reputation for grinding out wins with grit, not glamour. This game was textbook Izzo: defense first, rebounding second, and patience always. The Spartans’ bench—led by Cam Ward’s 11 points and Jaxson Kohler’s 10-point, 11-rebound double-double—was the difference. North Carolina’s reserves managed just five points. That’s not a fluke. It’s a system. Michigan State’s players rotate without hesitation. They don’t chase stats. They chase stops.
And it’s working. At 7-0, the Spartans are off to their best start since 2019. They’ve beaten three ranked teams in a row—this win over North Carolina being the most impressive. They’ve held seven opponents under 70 points this season. And they’re doing it without a single player averaging more than 15 points per game. That’s team basketball at its purest.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Michigan State will face either St. Bonaventure or East Carolina in the next round of the Fort Myers Tip-Off. A win here could vault them into the Top 5. But more importantly, it validates their identity: a defense-first, rebound-heavy squad that doesn’t need flashy stars to win. Fears, who was averaging just 8.2 points before this game, might just be the spark they didn’t know they needed.
For North Carolina, the road back starts with self-reflection. They’ve lost their rhythm. Their shooting touch vanished. And their defense, usually one of the nation’s best, looked slow and out of sync. Coach Hubert Davis will need to fix the three-point woes—23 attempts for only four makes is unsustainable. The Tar Heels still have talent, but they’re now 0-1 against top-15 teams this season. That’s a red flag.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one game in Florida. It’s about momentum. Michigan State is building something special. They’ve gone from a rebuilding year in 2024 to a contender in 2025. Their defense is elite. Their depth is underrated. And Fears? He’s no longer just a role player—he’s a catalyst. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s early-season hype is fading. They’re still talented, but they’re not clicking. And in March, that matters more than any November win streak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jeremy Fears Jr. transform his game this season?
After averaging just 8.2 points per game through the first six games, Fears Jr. has stepped into a primary scoring role, increasing his usage rate by 40% over the last three contests. His improved decision-making and mid-range efficiency—now shooting 51% from 10-16 feet—have made him a matchup nightmare. His 19-point performance against North Carolina was his first 15+ point game since last season’s finale.
Why has Michigan State been so effective at holding teams under 60 points?
Michigan State’s defense thrives on length, switching, and forcing contested shots. They rank second in the Big Ten in opponent field goal percentage (37.1%) and lead the nation in offensive rebounding rate (42.3%). Their zone-heavy schemes, especially against perimeter-heavy teams like North Carolina, disrupt rhythm. Seven opponents this season have scored under 70 points—the most in Division I.
What does this loss mean for North Carolina’s NCAA tournament hopes?
While one loss doesn’t derail a season, North Carolina’s non-conference schedule is now a concern. They’ve lost to a top-11 team and still haven’t beaten a top-25 opponent. Their RPI is slipping, and their weak three-point shooting (28% on the season) will hurt them in March. To stay in the conversation, they’ll need to dominate the ACC and win at least two games in the conference tournament.
How does this win compare to Michigan State’s past big upsets?
This is Michigan State’s first win over a top-16 team since beating No. 13 Purdue in February 2024. The 16-point margin is their largest over a ranked opponent since a 21-point win over No. 11 Wisconsin in 2022. What makes this different? They did it without their leading scorer, A.J. Hoggard, who missed the game with a minor ankle sprain. That’s a testament to their depth and coaching.
What’s the significance of the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament?
The Fort Myers Tip-Off, held during Thanksgiving week, is a mid-major neutral-site event that gives teams like Michigan State and North Carolina a chance to test themselves early. While not as prestigious as the Maui Invitational, it’s become a key barometer for early-season form. The Beach Division features four teams with NCAA tournament aspirations, making it a high-stakes tournament despite its modest branding.
Can Michigan State sustain this level of defense all season?
Sustaining it is possible, but the Big Ten schedule looms. They’ll face Iowa’s high-octane offense, Purdue’s physical frontcourt, and Illinois’ elite guards—all of whom shoot better than North Carolina. But if Fears keeps elevating, Kohler keeps dominating the glass, and Izzo keeps adjusting, Michigan State has the pieces to be a Final Four contender. Their defense isn’t lucky—it’s learned.