North Carolina @ Michigan St. preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 4, 2013 ) North Carolina 79, Michigan St 65

After making a cameo appearance in Michigan State’s last game, the fifth-ranked Spartans are hoping for an extended run from star sophomore Miles Bridges on Sunday. Bridges is expected to be close to full strength as the Spartans take on No. 9 North Carolina in the championship game of the Victory Bracket of the PK80 Invitational in Portland.

Bridges returned after missing Thursday’s tournament opening win over DePaul with a sprained ankle and scored six points in five minutes in Friday’s 77-57 win over Connecticut. Sophomore guard Cassius Winston stepped up with a career-high 28 points against the Huskies, but the Spartans will need a healthy Bridges against North Carolina, which has cruised to back-to-back wins over Portland and Arkansas. Junior forward Luke Maye continued to impress with career highs of 28 points, 16 rebounds and five assists in Friday’s 87-68 win over Arkansas as the Tar Heels held the Razorbacks under 80 points for the first time this season. North Carolina holds a commanding 12-3 lead in the all-time series against Michigan State, including 7-0 under coach Roy Williams.

TV: 8:30 ET, ESPN

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA (5-0): After scoring in double figures a total of six times during his first two seasons, Maye is averaging 21.2 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Tar Heels, who are scoring 92.8 points per game on 49.4 percent shooting. Point guard Joel Berry is averaging 17 points while junior guard Kenny Williams (15.2) and senior wing Theo Pinson (10.2) have given the Tar Heels a strong inside-out game. “We have so many guys that can score,” Maye told reporters. "Theo and Kenny and Joel are all capable of hitting shots, getting to the basket. It’s really tough to guard all four of us at the same time."

ABOUT MICHIGAN STATE (4-1): Winston is averaging 13.2 points on 54.8 percent shooting for the Spartans, who are seeking their first signature win of the season after losing 88-81 to Duke on Nov. 14. Freshman forward Jaren Jackson Jr. continued his strong play with 12 points with nine rebounds against UConn while sophomore forward Nick Ward had 11 points and nine boards. Ward, a 6-foot-8, 245 pound sophomore, averaged 15.2 rebounds and six rebounds and will be a key factor inside against the Tar Heels.

TIP-INS

1. The teams last met on Dec. 4, 2013, when North Carolina recorded a 79-65 victory.

2. Michigan State ranks 16th in the country in field goal percentage at 52.3.

3. The Tar Heels have made 17 of their last 31 three-point attempts.

PREDICTION: North Carolina 89, Michigan State 85