North Carolina's men's basketball team secured a spot in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament with a convincing 85-69 victory over Michigan State on Saturday. The Tar Heels, led by RJ Davis' 20 points, remained unbeaten in March Madness matchups against Spartans' legendary coach Tom Izzo.
The top-seeded Tar Heels showcased their dominance in their home state, North Carolina, with a remarkable performance. Harrison Ingram contributed significantly with 17 points, including five 3-pointers, while Armando Bacot added 18 points with a strong inside presence.
UNC orchestrated a remarkable 23-3 run in the first half, erasing a 12-point deficit and taking control of the game. Despite Michigan State's early aggression, the Tar Heels responded effectively and maintained their lead throughout the game.
This victory marked UNC's fifth consecutive win against Izzo's Spartans in the NCAA Tournament, including memorable triumphs in the 2005 Final Four and the 2009 title game. The Tar Heels now advance to the regional semifinals in Los Angeles, where they will face either Grand Canyon or Alabama.
Michigan State, the ninth seed, put up a strong fight with Tyson Walker scoring 24 points, but they couldn't sustain their early momentum against UNC's relentless performance. The Spartans' season, marked by inconsistency, came to an end despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the tournament.
UNC's impressive record in NCAA games in North Carolina continued, improving to 36-2 overall and 14-1 in Charlotte, the state's largest city. The Tar Heels now await their next opponent, with a potential matchup against either Alabama or Grand Canyon on the horizon.
As the NCAA Tournament progresses, North Carolina remains a formidable force, showcasing their talent and determination on the national stage.
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