In early October, reports began to surface about a potential Thanksgiving Day showdown between the UNC basketball program and the Michigan State Spartans. This matchup has now become official, as announced via a press release on Monday. The Tar Heels and Spartans will meet in the first round of the 2025 Fort Myers Tip-Off, which is part of the four-team Beach Division. Their game will take place in Florida SouthWestern State’s Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

As for UNC’s potential opponents in its second game at the event and the date of the championship round, including the third-place contest, these details will be announced in the coming weeks. Although the press release did not confirm a tipoff time for the Thanksgiving Day matchup, Matt Norlander from CBS Sports noted back in early October that the UNC-Michigan State clash will air in the late afternoon on Fox after the Lions NFL game.

History of the Rivalry

UNC basketball holds a 13-4 advantage in its all-time series against Michigan State. One notable instance was their 85-69 win in the 2024 NCAA Tournament Round of 32 in Charlotte, which marked the 2023-24 Tar Heels’ last victory before falling to Alabama in the Sweet 16. In fact, the Tar Heels have emerged victorious in six of their past seven battles. This shows the intensity and competitiveness of this long-standing rivalry.

UNC’s Participation in the Fort Myers Tip-Off

This will be the Tar Heels’ first appearance at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, which started in 2018. It’s an exciting opportunity for UNC to showcase their skills on this stage. The team will be looking to build on their past success and make a strong showing in this tournament.

Stay Tuned for More News

To stay updated on all the latest UNC basketball news, be sure to follow North Carolina Tar Heels On SI. There will be more exciting developments and updates as the team prepares for the 2025 Fort Myers Tip-Off and beyond.