SAN DIEGO – No. 1 North Carolina defeated Michigan State in the inaugural Carrier Classic game Friday night 67-55.
The Tar Heels, led by Harrison Barnes’ 17 points, got out to an 11-point lead at halftime, despite being outrebounded 27-17.
Forward John Henson started the second half with four quick points and a block to help build UNC’s lead.
Senior guard Dexter Strickland was the third Tar Heel in double digits with 10 points.
Michigan State led a sizeable comeback in the second half, but Barnes hit a three-pointer with about five minutes left to put an end to that run.
The Tar Heels will leave San Diego Friday night and head to Asheville to take on the Bulldogs on Sunday.
