Michigan State guard Tre Holloman (5) moves the ball against North Carolina guard RJ Davis (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) AP

North Carolina took the court at the Lahaina Civic Center for the third time in as many days in the Maui Invitational and for the third straight game, they fell behind early. This time to Michigan State.

Maybe it was it the luggage held up at LAX, maybe it was fatigue from the seven-hour flight and three-hour time difference, or it was the temperature shock going from frigid Colorado weather to the black sand beaches of Maui.