Michigan State basketball: Series history vs. North Carolina

North Carolina and Michigan State basketball are no strangers to each other. What does the series history look like?

Usually it tends to favor the Spartans when I review the history between Michigan State basketball and another program. That, however, is not the case this time. North Carolina is one of the bluest blue bloods in college basketball, so maybe the Tar Heels’ dominance shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Even though it may not be the most fun exercise, let’s look at the series history between MSU and the Tar Heels before their second-round NCAA Tournament matchup on Saturday.

UNC has a substantial lead over MSU

Saturday’s game marks the 17th meeting between these programs, and the Tar Heels hold a 12-4 advantage all time. However, Michigan State did win the most recent meeting back in 2017. This was in the championship game of the PK80 tournament held in Oregon, and the Spartans demolished the Tar Heels. No. 4 MSU beat No. 9 UNC 63-45 behind 23 points and five 3-pointers from Joshua Langford.

North Carolina had won the previous six meetings, which included one unfortunate MSU loss in the NCAA Tournament.

NCAA Tournament woes

These teams have faced off five times in the NCAA Tournament, and the Tar Heels have won all five games. This includes the 2009 National Championship game in Detroit where MSU lost 89-72. This was the second loss at Ford Field to North Carolina that same season, as the Tar Heels beat Michigan State there in the non-conference portion of the regular season.

Hopefully MSU can turn its NCAA Tournament woes against North Carolina around on Saturday. The Tar Heels are the top seed in the West Region and are 3.5-point favorites in the game, too. The Spartans looked very strong in their first-round win over Mississippi State, so maybe they’ll be able to keep the momentum going and reach their second consecutive Sweet 16.