Michigan State punched first Saturday in a battle of NCAA tournament-tested programs.
But it was North Carolina's counterpunch that decided the game.
The Tar Heels responded to an early 26-14 hole with a 17-0 run to take control of the first half. North Carolina finished the half on a 23-3 run to take a 40-31 lead en route to an 85-69 win.
Michigan State responded in the second half with an 11-2 run to cut North Carolina's lead to 48-46. But the Tar Heels never relinquished the lead.