It wasn’t the historic showdown fans expected — but it was every bit as intense. On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the North Carolina Tar Heels held off a gritty St. Bonaventure Bonnies squad 84-70 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off (Beach Division)Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida. The win improved UNC to 6-0, while St. Bonaventure dropped to 5-1 — and the game delivered drama, defense, and a glimpse of what’s ahead for both teams.
A Battle of Unbeatens, With a Twist
Both teams entered the game undefeated, but only one could keep that streak alive. The Tar Heels, ranked No. 16, came in with a perfect 5-0 record — all at home in Chapel Hill. The Bonnies, under longtime head coach Mark Schmidt, had built momentum with wins over Bradley, Canisius, and Siena, and were riding high after a gritty 84-80 victory over Youngstown State just 10 days prior.
What followed wasn’t a blowout. It was a chess match.
North Carolina jumped out to a 15-5 lead with sharp three-point shooting and aggressive drives to the rim. But St. Bonaventure’s defense, known for its quick hands and relentless pressure, began to sting. By halftime, the Bonnies had clawed back to trail just 35-33, capped by Andrew Osasuyi’s thunderous dunk that ignited their bench. For a moment, it felt like the underdog might pull off the upset.
Second-Half Surge and Freshman Impact
But the Tar Heels, led by a completely new starting five, showed why they’re still a powerhouse. Kyan Evans, a freshman guard from Georgia, led the charge with 11 points and steady ball-handling. Luka Bogavac, a transfer from Serbia, added 10 points and three assists, showing poise beyond his years. And when the game was on the line, Jarin Stevenson — a 6’9” forward who didn’t play for UNC last season — delivered a key block and putback to seal a 10-0 run that broke the game open.
St. Bonaventure’s Buddy Simmons II kept them alive with 22 points, including four threes, while Frank Mitchell added 18. But the Bonnies couldn’t match UNC’s depth or composure in the final 10 minutes. The Tar Heels outscored them 49-37 after halftime, turning defensive stops into transition buckets that left the Bonnies chasing shadows.
A Legacy Matchup — And a Forgotten Chapter
This was only the second meeting ever between the two programs. The first? March 15, 1968 — a legendary NCAA East Region semifinal in Raleigh, North Carolina, where fourth-ranked UNC crushed third-ranked St. Bonaventure 91-72. That game featured Larry Miller (27 points, 16 rebounds) and Charlie Scott for UNC, and future Hall of Famer Bob Lanier (23 points) for the Bonnies. UNC went on to the Final Four that year. Now, 57 years later, the torch had passed.
Head coach Hubert Davis, in his fifth season at UNC, improved to 105-45. Schmidt, now in his 25th year as a head coach, remains one of college basketball’s most underrated architects. He’s built St. Bonaventure into a mid-major powerhouse — but the gap in resources, history, and national exposure still shows.
What’s Next? A Tough Road Ahead
For North Carolina, this win sets up a marquee Thanksgiving showdown. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. ET, they’ll face No. 11 Michigan State on FOX — their third straight season meeting the Spartans. UNC leads the all-time series 13-5, but Michigan State won last year’s meeting 94-91 in overtime in Maui. That game was a wake-up call. This one could be a statement.
For St. Bonaventure, the loss stings — but it’s not a setback. They’ve now beaten three Mid-American Conference teams and a Big East squad (Siena) this season. They’re building something. And with Simmons and Mitchell leading the way, they’re no longer just a Cinderella story. They’re a contender in the Atlantic 10.
How to Watch — And Why It Mattered
The game aired nationally on FS1, with Jeff Levering calling play-by-play and LaPhonso Ellis as analyst — a solid broadcast team that brought energy without overdoing it. Streaming options included FuboTV (with free trial), and the Tar Heel Sports Network carried the radio feed across North Carolina.
And here’s the thing: this wasn’t just a non-conference game. It was a test. For UNC, it proved their new core can win away from Chapel Hill. For St. Bonaventure, it proved they belong on the same court as the giants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did North Carolina’s new starting lineup perform?
All five starters — Kyan Evans, Luka Bogavac, Jarin Stevenson, Caleb Wilson, and Henri Veesaar — were new to UNC this season, with none having played for the team in 2024-25. Evans led the team with 11 points and steady guard play, while Stevenson’s defense and rebounding were pivotal in the second half. The group combined for 58 of UNC’s 84 points, showing remarkable chemistry despite zero prior experience together.
Why was this game significant for St. Bonaventure?
Despite the loss, St. Bonaventure proved it can compete with top-20 teams on a neutral court. They led at halftime and held UNC under 40% shooting for much of the game. Buddy Simmons II’s 22 points and Frank Mitchell’s 18 showed they have NBA-caliber talent. This performance will boost their NCAA Tournament resume, especially as they prepare for a tough Atlantic 10 slate.
What’s the history between UNC and St. Bonaventure?
This was only the second meeting in history. The first came in 1968, when UNC, led by Larry Miller and Charlie Scott, defeated a St. Bonaventure team featuring Hall of Famer Bob Lanier 91-72 in the NCAA East Region semifinal. That UNC squad reached the Final Four. The 2025 game was a symbolic passing of the torch — new stars, same intensity, same stakes.
Who broadcast the game, and how could fans stream it?
The game aired on FS1 with Jeff Levering (Milwaukee Brewers play-by-play voice) and LaPhonso Ellis on commentary. Fans could stream it via FuboTV, which offered a free trial for new subscribers. The Tar Heel Sports Network provided radio coverage, with live audio available through the Varsity Network app — ideal for fans in North Carolina who wanted to hear local voices.
What’s next for North Carolina after this win?
UNC faces No. 11 Michigan State on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX — their third straight season meeting the Spartans. The Tar Heels lead the all-time series 13-5, but Michigan State won last year’s game 94-91 in overtime. This rematch could be a key indicator of UNC’s national title credentials this season.
Was this game part of a larger tournament?
Yes. The Fort Myers Tip-Off’s Beach Division featured four teams: North Carolina, St. Bonaventure, Michigan State, and East Carolina. Michigan State beat East Carolina 82-68 earlier that same day on FS2. The winners of the two semifinals — UNC and MSU — will face off in the final on Friday, November 28, at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, setting up a potential top-10 showdown.
