NCAA basketball: UNC’s Caleb Wilson dunks over the Michigan State player

North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball freshman Caleb Wilson may have had the highlight of the night despite the team’s 74-58 loss to the Michigan State Spartans on Thursday night.

The two teams battled in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Right off the bat, Wilson had the crowd roaring.

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Early in the first, Wilson scooped up a loose ball after the Spartans gave it away. He dribbled all the way down the court and dunked on Michigan State’s 6-foot-11 center Carson Cooper.

Wilson’s dunks were two of his 18 points in 33 minutes. He added two steals and seven rebounds.

The 6-foot-10 Atlanta native was the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Georgia and a Naismith Trophy semifinalist. He was also selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic before taking the court in Carolina Blue.

North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson, left, is tackled by Michigan State forward Jaxon Kohler, right, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

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In six of the team’s seven games this season, Wilson has had at least 15 points. He scored 18 in the team’s 85-70 win over St. Bonaventure Tuesday.

In this game, however, No. 11 belonged to Michigan State. Jeremy Fears Jr. led the team with 19 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Cooper added 14 points and six rebounds. Cam Ward had 11 points in 16 minutes off the bench.

Michigan State guard Jeremy Fears Jr. runs against North Carolina during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Fort Myers, Florida. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

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Michigan State remained undefeated with the 7-0 win. No. 16 North Carolina fell to 6-1 on the year.