UNC Basketball forces overtime but comes up short against Michigan State

This team just doesn't get the importance of getting off to a strong start.

Once again, the consistent narrative of the 2024-2025 season was followed. The UNC basketball program dug itself into a early hole, a double-digit deficit to be more specific, and then rally a comeback effort late in the game.

Unfortunately, that recipe doesn't always work. In fact, it's not one that works much at all.

Down by as many as 14, the UNC basketball program put together another ugly first-half showing, this one against Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans.

You want to talk ugly: the Tar Heels starters did not score a basket from the field over the first 13 minutes of play!

Quite frankly, how is that even possible?!

As we've seen this team do over the last few weeks, they stormed back in the second half. The Tar Heels took a brief lead before a very questionable foul was called on RJ Davis, leading to a very suspicious technical foul called on Hubert Davis.

Yes, Hubert Davis, the coach who had no technical fouls up to this point in his coaching career.

Meanwhile, Tom Izzo threw multiple hissy fits in the face of the referees but was allowed to grandstand without punishment.

Make it make sense!

Down by seven with under 90 seconds remaining, the Tar Heels miraculously found a way to tie the game, as a Seth Trimble three-pointer sent the game into overtime.

Similar to the first half, Michigan State was better throughout the overtime period, securing a three-point victory to claim third place in the Maui Invitational.

You can point to many issues that the Tar Heels had during this tournament, all of which were highlighted on Wednesday night. The front court was atrocious, allowing 50 points in the paint. North Carolina also got out-rebounded 37-29, as the effort on the glass is simply not there.

Offensively, the Tar Heels struggled mightily early. If it wasn't for outstanding performances from freshmen Drake Powell and Ian Jackson, this game would have been UGLY!

Powell finished with a team-high 18 points, connecting on seven of his nine shots from the floor. Jackson added 14 points of his own, as the freshmen duo combined for a total of 32 points.

While the field of teams in the Maui Invitational was very competitive, it's inexcusable to see how the Tar Heels played, especially in the first half of games. What's even more concerning is Hubert Davis' willingness to stick with his starting unit, even when a bench player (or players) are out performing them.

In this game, it was simply inexcusable that Drake Powell wasn't on the floor to start the second half.

As the UNC basketball program has a long flight home to Chapel Hill, they'll have some time to re-evaluate things moving forward. The schedule won't get any easier, as the Tar Heels need to figure things out, and fast.