16th Ranked North Carolina Sustained Its First Loss Of The Season Thursday What Was A 74-58 Loss To 11th Ranked Michigan State In Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division On Thanksgiving
North Carolina’s first loss of the 2025 -2026 season was going to come at some point the question though was when.
The when came Thursday when 16th ranked sustained its first loss of the season a 74-58 to 11th ranked Michigan State in Fort Myers tip-off Beach Division on Thanksgiving.
16th ranked North Carolina’s first loss was sustained because North Carolina collected 30 rebounds while Michigan collected 37 rebounds. As a team North Carolina shot 21-55 on field goals for 55 % they were 4-23 on 3 pointers for 17 % were 12-17 on free throws for 71 %. Three players scored in double figures . Caleb Wilson who is a freshman who is a forward was 6-13 on field goals, 0-3 on 3 pointers , 6-7 on free throws to go along 7 rebounds , 1 assists, 2 turnovers , 18 points. Henri Vessar who is a senior a center was 6-9 on field goals , 1-2 on 3 pointers , 0-1 on free throws to go along with 6 rebounds , 1 steal 13 points . Luka Bogavac who is a freshman a guard was 4-12 on field goals , 1-6 on 3 pointers , 2-3 on free throws to go along with 5 assists , 11 points.
Following 16th ranked North Carolina’s 74-58 loss to Michigan State Luka Bogavac who is a freshman a guard who was 4-12 on field goals , 1-6 on 3 pointers , 2-3 on free throws to go along with 5 assists , 11 points had this to say!
“I think this is the first time that we played against a team who was really physical,”
I think two or three times we relaxed for a couple minutes. Against these kinds of teams, we can’t do this. It’s not possible. So, for me, it’s good that it happened in an early game like this.”
Following 16th ranked North Carolina’s sustaining its first loss of the season 74-58 loss to Michigan State in Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division Caleb Wilson who was 6-13 on field goals , 0-3 on 3 pointers to go along with 7 rebounds , 1 assists 18 points had this to say!
Like always, you learn from your opponent, win or lose, and they play physical basketball,”“They were holding, hooking, grabbing. I just learn from it and [will] be able to apply it to my own game.”
According to Shelby Swanson News & Observer article https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/article313096357.html
North Carolina going to play on the road at Kentucky in ACC/SEC Challenge!
Unlike North Carolina,
Kentucky won their previous game when opposing Tennessee Tech 104 -54 on Wednesday November 26, 2025 where five players scored in double figures Malachi Moreno who is a freshman a center was 4-5 on field goals , 5-6 on free throws to go along with 11 rebounds , 3 assists, 2 blocks , 13 points. Collin Chandler who is a sophomore a guard was 6-11 on field goals , 2-6 on 3 pointers to go along with 5 rebounds , 5 assists , 1 turnover , 1 steal 14 points . Otega Oweh who is a guard a senior was 6-11 on field goals , 1-2 on 3 pointers , 3-3 on free throws to go along with 2 rebounds, 3 assists , 16 points . Denzel Aberdeen who is a guard a senior like Otega Oweh who was 6-10 on field goals , 4-6 on 3 pointers to go along with 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 16 points. Trent Noah who is a forward a sophomore was 5-6 on field goals , 4-5 on 3 pointers to go along 6 rebounds , 16 points.
Following Kentucky’s 104 -54 win over Tennessee Tech Kentucky Head Coach Mark Pope had this to say about his team!
If we could capture these guys' heart and spirit and their commitment, we would be unbeatable,"
According to Drew Holbrook article https://wildcatbluenation.com/mark-pope-unforgettables-lesson-kentucky-basketball-culture-grit
Tip-off is set for 9:30pm from Rupp Arena!
The game is going to be televised on ESPN!
Though,
Who is commentating the game is to be determined!