### Tar Heels Edged Out by Michigan State in Overtime Thriller at Maui Invitational

North Carolina experienced a heart-wrenching 94-91 overtime defeat to Michigan State in the final game of the Maui Invitational on Wednesday night in Lahaina, Hawaii. Despite a commendable rally in the last moments of regulation, the Tar Heels fell short and concluded their tournament run in fourth place among the eight participating teams.

The final minute and 24 seconds of regulation were nothing short of dramatic. UNC trailed by seven points when RJ Davis delivered an and-1 layup, followed by an Elliot Cadeau three-pointer to trim the deficit to one. A missed layup by Cadeau with 24 seconds left initially seemed like a squandered opportunity, but a game-tying three-pointer by Seth Trimble ensured the game went into overtime.

In the extra period, however, North Carolina's shooting faltered, with the team going just 2-for-8 from the field. This inefficiency permitted Michigan State to secure the win. Cadeau and Drake Powell were standouts for the Tar Heels, contributing 17 and 18 points, respectively. Despite their efforts, UNC's defensive struggles persisted, as the team allowed 90 or more points in three of their first seven games.

Michigan State's dominance on the boards was decisive, out-rebounding North Carolina 37-29. The Spartans also managed to build a lead by as many as 14 points during the game. The Tar Heels now hold a 23-6 all-time record in Maui Invitational games, including a 19-5 record in Maui itself.

Post-game, Cadeau and Powell reflected on the match and the lessons learned. Powell acknowledged his privilege of playing in Maui and expressed his love for the game and his team. Cadeau, despite his frustration over missing a crucial layup, highlighted the team's resilience and the importance of improving their toughness moving forward.

Coach Hubert Davis also weighed in on the game, pointing out defensive lapses as a critical area for improvement. He noted that Michigan State's effectiveness in the paint, where they scored 50 points, and their superior shooting percentage proved to be pivotal. Davis recognized the need for possible defensive adjustments and emphasized his belief in his team's capacity to improve.

As the Tar Heels turn their focus to the upcoming games, an emphasis on better defensive performance and stronger starts will be pivotal. The experiences and insights gained in Maui could very well serve as the catalyst for a more disciplined and resilient team as they progress through the season.